by Pileated

Created on: April 17, 2008

Few emotions have captivated the human attention as much as love. We see it portrayed in movies and on TV, discussed on Ophra, lamented in online chat rooms, and discussed around the world. We hear everyday how people fall into or out of love, that they made love, or even that they love an object (I love those cookies or I love it when that happens). Even when it applies to intimacy between two people, love takes on a variety of meanings from long term commitments to one night stands. It seems some fall into love almost unconsciously while others find themselves unable to love. So, given the diverse ways we describe Love, what really is love?

One of the best examples of love is found in the following statement; "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Bible, John 3:16 King James Version). This statement contains the defining characteristics of love.

The first characteristic of love is that it is a choice the individual giving the love makes. It is a choice we all can make. We don't just fall in love, we make a conscious decision to love another. The type of love varies depending upon our relationship with the individual, but it is our choice.

Secondly, love is a reflection of the quality and integrity of the individual giving the love and not necessarily the value or worthiness of the one it is directed towards. In giving love to those around us, we show our true character. The more we love, the more love those around us, the more God-like we become. Our ability to love another is a reflection of us and not of another.

The third characteristic that defines love is that it seems to require some kind of action or sacrifice. Being emotionally drawn to another, yet taking no action to show that those feelings is not love. We care for and take personal action to help those we love, whether is the stranger on the street, our parent, child, or spouse. Love is an action verb.

The final part of this statement identifies the last and often the most painful characteristic of love. Love is not always returned to those that give it. We see this last characteristic of love in our relationships in dating, raising children, caring for parents, and interacting with friends and those we meet. We can go out of our way to show others that we love we them, but it does not necessarily mean that our love will be returned. When this occurs, the consequence of unreturned love is often

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