This is what I've observed about love:
Love finds its worth completely in Christ's love for him/her. Love draws from the Living Waters within, which the Holy Spirit gushes forth from the heart of believers as we walk with Him. Love knows that no one else is sufficient as the Source for the Love we need and others need from us.
Love defines itself according to the Father's heart.
Love takes its standard from the Living Word of God.
Love speaks honestly and respectfully.
Love provides accountability for those under its umbrella of care. When a loved one walks away from that umbrella of care or rebels against accountability then Love prays for their return to the Father's heart.
Love allows the other person's free choice without manipulation. Love grieves over ungodly choices and unhealthy behavior patterns in the other person.
Love fixes its gaze upon Jesus and isn't swayed by alternative definitions of what love is. Love gazes through the Father's eyes to understand a situation and the other person. Love is Romance with Jesus that flows in the proper way to other people. Love listens to the Father's voice and allows Him to speak specifically and personally in each situation.
Love sacrifices for the sake of the other person. That sacrifice is always for the other person's good according to the Father's heart. The ultimate good for any person is a healthy, growing, and intimate relationship with Jesus. If that relationship is endangered and/or disconnected, right standing with the Father takes priority over everything else.
Love humbles itself before the Throne of God and let's the Father choose according to His knowledge and great love for each individual involved.
Love allows the Father to erect proper boundaries to stop abuse and manipulation of body, mind, and spirit. Love's commitment is to the Holy Spirit and rejects all forms of idolatry, refusing to bow down to any other spirit.
Love submits to the Father as He pulls off labels, exposing the truth about a person's heart and relationship. The Father always reveals the truth for each person's good, in order to heal and restore while always allowing each individual free choice. He even allows us to spit on Him and walk away, yet His love never alters. He is the One who alone can pursue us with unfaltering, relentless passion.
Love recognizes that the Father is the only One able to redeem a rebellious heart and tenderly places that person in His hands, relinquishing responsibility to make the person change. Love never ceases to long for and pray for the other person's best--that he/she walks in wholeness and right standing with the Lord--even when differing choices place the individuals on separate paths.
Love triumphs at the end of time when all hearts that freely chose the Love and Grace of God are gathered as one into the beautiful holiness of the Father's heart.
