Beyond the Flowers

Because love isn’t just given—it’s nurtured, practiced, and reflected from within.

LOVE. It’s the four-letter word making the rounds today, isn’t it? We talk about it as the balm that mends a broken heart, the light that heals a lost soul, and the melody that gives us a true sense of belonging. It is music to the ears and an unprescribed medication that works wonders on the human system.

​But what is Love, really?

​Before we look at the cards and the candy, I want to define it the Biblical way—because Christ is the originator of love, and where better to hear it from than the Source?

​“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

​It’s so easy to read those words and scream, “Preach!” Isn’t it? It’s even easier to read them and have someone else’s name pop into your head. You think of the person who needs to learn patience toward you, the one who should stop being so easily angered, the one who needs to overlook your mistakes without keeping a record of wrongs.

​As you scrolled through those verses, did you find yourself building a checklist for someone else? All the things they could do better?

​But here is the conviction: Why did their name pop up first? Why didn’t yours?

​You aren’t perfect, are you? So why is it so effortless to spot where others are missing the mark with us, while we remain blind to our own reflection? Over time, in my interactions with others—and honestly, in my interactions with myself—I’ve realized that dishing out “truth” to others is easy. Applying it to ourselves? That takes extra effort. It takes a genuine sincerity, a deep humility, and the courage to admit that we, too, are a work in progress.

​So, let’s take 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 again. But this time, it’s a self-evaluation. Think of this as the “Put a Finger Down” challenge, reading version. Answer yourself genuinely.

​The “To Others” Edition 

♡ Love is patient… but am I? How many times have I actually shown that patience to my parents, my spouse, my siblings, or my co-workers?

♡ Love is kind. Am I truly a kind person? Lately, have I shown kindness to strangers, or only to those who can do something for me?

♡ It does not envy. Have I secretly asked why they got the blessing and I didn’t? What does my heart really feel when I see those joyful posts on social media?

♡ It does not boast; it is not proud. Do I have a “me, me, me” complex? Do I put others down just so I can feel a little bit taller?

♡ It is not easily angered. How do I react when things go wrong? Do I attack the person instead of the situation? What words am I weaponizing in those moments?

♡ It keeps no record of wrongs. Am I unforgiving? Am I holding onto an offense just so I can keep playing the victim card?

♡ It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Am I trustworthy? Can people actually lean on me, or do I leak their secrets?

​If the tables were turned, you would expect this level of love from them. So, why is it so hard to give?

​The “To Self” Edition 

​This is where it gets intimate. Because the truth is, you cannot give what you do not have.

• ​Are you patient with yourself through your own process? Or are you your own harshest critic?

• ​Do you give yourself grace, or do you constantly let yourself down?

• ​Do you hold onto the mistakes of your past and let them dictate your future? Or do you let love “keep no record of wrongs” even against yourself?

• ​Do you trust yourself to be a better person? Do you see hope in this current season? How well are you protecting your peace, your heart, and your joy?

​Your attitude toward yourself is often the loudest indicator of your attitude toward others.

​The Valentine’s Gift You Actually Need 

​The truth is hard, but it’s healing:

Some of us simply need to do better as humans. We need to be better lovers, better friends, better parents, and better neighbors. We need to be better at this “love thing” we are so busy celebrating today.

​This is my Valentine’s love note to you. It’s not a box of chocolates; it’s the gift of self-reflection. It is wonderful to feel all lovey-dovey today, but when the curtains draw on February 14th, will you still be love?

​Enjoy this day. Soak up the joy. But please, enjoy it in a way that pleases the Lord.

​Happy Valentine’s Day. Okay, bye!