Love is a very popular word used often and most often in our fallen world, misused. One thing occurred to me recently. Though this particular word is often used, it is not understood correctly, and most people don’t even know how to define it.
If you ask a young adult to explain “love” they may very well think right away about the sexuality of it. If you ask young parents, they will automatically link it to the caring of children, and if you ask an old person, some of them will respond, “I don’t know how to explain, it is too complicated”.
Therefore, teaching the definition of love is very important, along with how to practice it.
We are told to “love our enemies”, but we are not told how! How do we accomplish this?
My personal thoughts are as follows:
The very first thing that should come to mind is respect. An attitude of respect is necessary to pursue the ability to love the way God, our Heavenly Parent does. If God had not respected his creation He will have destroyed it a long time ago.
Once an attitude of respect is established then the ability to listen is necessary. If we are able to listen, even rambling, we will start understanding this person or this other group of individuals. Then our ability to listen will allow the other individual or group to do that same, meaning now we can start to speak.
Understanding someone else, or another group of people, is necessary to help humanity progress in creating a peaceful and happy world. Understanding will not come without the 3 bold words above. Practicing true love starts with them. Then, all the other dimensions of love will be able to come and invade our heart.
NOTE: One may argue that serving should be first, yes, it will work but only if the person serving has respect for the person served. Otherwise, the service may not be well received.
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