What is Love?

I know that question brings thoughts of a song and a movie but really, what is Love?
We often think of love as this wonderful feeling of belonging, being needed and wanted. Love is not just what we feel. It might be part of it, but not even close totally defining it. Love is not kissing and hugging that's just the by-product, like cheese comes from milk. Love is so loosely defined now a days that some people have been confused by what love really is. Love is not always nice or allows us to do what we want. Real love at times requires sacrifice, correction and toughness. Love is not all soft and easy going. Love is not always simple, nor is it to be expected. You don't always get love when you give it, but we still should love. Love constantly requires action, with no room for slacking. When we as people make bad decisions, someone who loves us should correct us. When we are about to hurt ourselves someone who loves us should stop us. If I did not punish my children for the wrong they do, is it because I love them? No, it's quite the opposite.
I correct them so they will learn the right way. I guide them so that they will make choices that please God, not others or just for themselves. God's love is the same way towards us.
Jesus lived a life of constantly defining love. This includes His actions towards the religious leaders. It was not just to show the error of their ways, but because He loved them. God did not have Jesus sacrificed for the good people on this earth, He did so that all could be saved from their own death and destruction, separation from God. God's love is not condemning but to steer us in the right paths. 1 Corinthians 13 explains love well.
That's what love is. The whole Bible is like His love letters to us, and it's not all mushy stuff you get in a card on Valentine's Day.
Proverbs 15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.