1 Corinthians 13:4-6 ASV, 1 Corinthians 13:7 ASV and 1 Corinthians 13:8 ASV

I started to speed through this section, having heard it so many times. I had to stop and tell myself that even though this is most often used as a tagline in Valentines Day cards, it's still the Word of God. I want to keep this fresh and close to my recollection; to love as God would have me to love. Whether it's my siblings, parents, strangers, roommates, friends or my wonderful girlfriend, my love has to be full and without blemish. I want to love for real; to love hard even when it's difficult. That's what Paul is saying here: to choose them over myself. To edify when I want to boast, to encourage when I'm moved to envy, to choose belief over cynicism, to accept when I'd rather resent. That's the real deal.