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Love is not an art by itself. There is no course of study that teaches us to love, except for its rudiments such as sensing other people's needs that requires our closest attention. It has to be spontaneous, without obligation and expectation of reciprocity other than gratitude. Maturity is the key to seasoned love, as in a marriage between two people living together for a number of years, with a great deal in common, together with the spontaneity of commitment in the way of reasoning, devotion and cognizance of each other's needs. There are needs that call for observation of those that are unfortunate, such as aiding the handicapped, ministering to the sick and giving consolation to the bereaved. Attributes such as these are inherent in the quality of love.

Love is all around us. It is reflected in Nature as well in the experience of others that we know and appreciate. The saying, "love thy neighbor," encompasses certain moral attributes of respect, courtesy and empathy toward those living next door to us and with whom we relate in terms of each other's proximity. Implicit trust in God becomes absolute in our prayers and supplications, reminding us that He is loving and merciful, so that we, in turn, must move in a similar direction.

Our indulgence in acts of benevolence is prompted by the fact that we are conscious of our humanity, justifying our concerns for those that are not as fortunate as we may be.
There are many aspects of love that can be demonstrated in ways other than the giving of money. Our involvement in worthy causes is prompted by empathy, triggered by our appreciation of what the causes represent, as we share in the love that fulfills the purpose of their establishment. The rewards that we derive from giving to worthy causes are in the nature of self-satisfaction as well as the knowledge that we have become a part of a process in which we are engaged for the sole purpose of alleviating suffering of those in dire need.

Charity in any form is basically a moral obligation. It elevates our spirit, uplifts our conscience and warms our heart. Any manner of isolationism on the part of those that are indifferent to those in need, contributes to social ills and the degradation of circumstances. When we learn to love, we also enrich our knowledge of humanity, beyond our limitations. We have to be aware of our own frailty and be conscious of the fact that love is an attribute that is singular and meaningful.

Learn more about this author, Maurice Sassoon.
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