The Idea of Love is Easier than Actually Loving

Love is a concept that most of us understand in theory, but when we start to look at what it really means up close and personal, it can be disturbing. "Love is patient," but we tend to joke about or dismiss our quick temper. "Love is kind", but am I? "Love is NOT jealous", so why are we so often resentful of other people's possessions, opportunities, talents, looks, influence, and success? "Love does NOT brag and is not arrogant", but we often side with Dizzy Dean who said, "It ain't braggin' if you done it." Is not my criticism of others a subtle way of praising myself? Lots to ponder just in these first few descriptions of love from 1Corinthians 13:4-7.