Valentine's Day and the surrounding month of February is a time that many people reflect on love. And while the commercial version of the holiday may dote on romantic love, the season is a great time for faith-minded seniors to contemplate greater themes of love in their lives. Whether you're part of a Bible study group at Collinwood assisted living community or you spend time considering the Scriptures on your own, the coming month is a great time to look into what the Bible has to say about love. Here are a few places you might consider starting.

1. ROMANS 13:8

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."

The Bible reminds us that God actually calls us by His law to love each other with Christian love. That's not always easy to do, but He sent Jesus to set us a perfect example. Regardless of where we are in our lives, we're supposed to show that grace and love to those around us whenever possible. In a senior living community, that may include reaching out to befriend neighbors and being kind to each other as we live and work together closely.

2. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14

"Do everything in love."

This verse bars no holds when it comes to God's demand on us. It's the same message Paul writes in verses such as Philippians 1:27. Everything we do should be done for God, and God would have it done with love.

That doesn't mean we have to lay down and allow others to walk over us. It doesn't mean we have to be actively engaged with and nice to every person who enters our world sphere. It does mean we should consider our obligation of Christian love and treat others with civility and kindness, even if we can't treat them endearingly.

3. JOHN 15:12

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

If you're not sure why Christians should love each other, Jesus lays it out clearly in this verse. Christians should show love because Christ — and God through sending Him — showed love first. Another verse says that Jesus loved us when we didn't deserve it, and we're supposed to follow His example.

Love is a choice, not just an emotion. And it's supposed to be something we give freely, not something someone has to earn. Trust, respect and friendship must be earned, but the Bible says Christian love comes before those things.

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