“Divine” love, as President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) called it, “is not like that association of the world which is misnamed love, but which is mostly physical attraction. … The love of which the Lord speaks is not only physical attraction, but also faith, confidence, understanding, and partnership. It is devotion and companionship, parenthood, common ideals and standards. It is cleanliness of life and sacrifice and unselfishness. This kind of love never tires nor wanes. It lives on through sickness and sorrow, through prosperity and privation, through accomplishment and disappointment, through time and eternity” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 1982, 248).

True love—charity—suffereth long.
• Is patient instead of impatient and tolerant of imperfections instead of intolerant.
• Is helpful instead of being critical of weaknesses. Charity does not criticize, is not cranky, and does not complain.



True love is kind.
• Is happy, thoughtful, helpful, interested in others, a good Samaritan, merciful, and true love gives comfort.



True love envieth not.
• Is content, frugal, and grateful for blessings; is not covetous, resentful, jealous, or greedy; avoids unnecessary debt; and is a full tithe payer. Charity is not selfish or vain, and it lives within its income.



True love is not puffed up.
• Is humble and teachable, does not seek attention, praises others, does not murmur or belittle.



True love doth not behave itself unseemly.
• Is courteous, well-mannered, reverent, respectful, and mindful, as well as clean, neat, and considerate of other’s property and feelings; is not crude, indecent, or improper.



True love seeketh not her own.
• Is tenderhearted, caring, sharing, sensitive, compassionate, generous, and united; thinks we, not I; listens; seeks to please God; is not demanding, controlling, or manipulative; does not blame; and says, “I’m sorry.”



True love is not easily provoked.
• Is forgiving, patient, calm, gentle, and respectful; is a peacemaker who does not get angry, irritable, or vengeful; is not abusive in word or deed; does not swear or quarrel.



True love thinketh no evil.
• Is not judgmental but respectful and trusting, pure and obedient; does not think evil of others by gossiping or finding fault; is modest in thought, dress, and speech; is not deceitful, cruel, or dishonest; avoids inappropriate music, pornography, and dirty jokes.



True love rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.
• Has a temple recommend and wants an eternal marriage; stays close to the Spirit through regular scripture study and prayer; is responsible; is not light-minded.



True love beareth all things.
• Is bold and patient with affliction and trials (this does not mean that abuse victims should silently bear cruelty or follow a spouse who is disobedient to God); is grateful; does not insult others; is not defensive, irritable, touchy, or grouchy; is not weary in well-doing.



True love believeth all things.
• Is cheerful; sees the eternal potential of a spouse; makes the least of the worst and the most of the best; shows by actions that there is a firm belief in eternal families; holds fast to the iron rod; has goals, dreams, a vision, and plans for a happy, successful life together.



True love hopeth all things.
• Is an optimist who looks for the best; praises, builds up, and expresses affection.



True love endureth all things.
• Doesn’t complain or murmur, is steadfast, accepts responsibility, and is industrious while showing initiative.



True love never faileth.
•The Lord is describing a love that deals with our behavior. And behavior isn’t something you fall into or out of. Behavior is something you control and decide. Agency is involved here.

—Elder Lynn G. Robbins Of the Seventy

Elder Robbins, you are EXACTLY right! Thank you for reconfirming this to me!