I Love You! (Updated from 6/3/2015)

 

I love you. No, I really do love you, each and every one of you. But, wait a darn minute. You say love is an "attraction based on sexual desire; an affection and tenderness felt by lovers." Have I lost my insignificant mind? Maybe I lost it, somewhere in the "free love" movement of the 1960s. Then again, it's just a matter of degree, or it is a matter of definition, then of degree.

Merriam-Webster's second definition of love, is one of sexual desire, as stated above.  The first would be a "strong affection for another out of kinship or personal ties."  I think of all the definitions, this next one, number 4, could be used to sum them all up and allow us to file the other definitions behind it as a matter of degree: "Unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another, as (1): the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2): brotherly concern for others."  

I'm certain the atheists must have already redefined "number 4" to suit their non-belief in a deity.  I wonder how atheists rank on the Islamic terrorist "POM" (Perpetual Offense Meter).   I mean, you have to figure the Jewish state just flat pisses them off, and they can claim Christians as "historical" enemies.  But, what would extremists do with atheists?  I think they would make the terrorists' "little peanut heads" explode, God bless them.

“Sometimes it’s a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence.”

-- David Byrne

So how do I make this "fourth definition" encompass attraction based on sexual desire?  Well... "My unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for your welfare seems to be heightened by how damned attractive I find you and this, in turn, seems to be expanding my concern for you through possible affection and tenderness.  What say you?"  

Okay, this is the point where they, either, laugh or turn and walk away. But, who would really say this?  Yes, yes... I probably would, but only because my sense of humor runs at a serious tilt.  It wouldn't be the worst "come on" I've ever heard, or used. But, I think it helps me make my point about how events and emotions can expand a definition without necessarily requiring we create another definition.  It is simply a matter of degree.  It plays to the point of how deep and broad your love is; what your love is ready to encompass, at any given time.

If you think you're love is an attraction based on sexual desire, tenderness, and affection, should it not also meet the criteria of being unselfishly loyal and being benevolently concerned for a person's immediate and future welfare?  If not, would it be better to define this feeling as the lust that will soon culminate in a one-nighter? I'm all about lust, but that might be for another post.

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

I love you, even if I don't like you.  By definition, my liking you is not a requirement for loving you.   Heck, I don't even know you, so how can I determine if I like you.  Merriam-Webster lists affection, attachment, devotedness, devotion, fondness, and passion as synonymous with love.  It also lists abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, and rancor as "antonymous" to love.  

Think about this: So, if you don't love someone, do you feel they are an abomination, or do you hate them?  Are they loathsome to you?  Do you feel malice, resentment, or ill-will toward them?  No?  Then maybe you need to come to grips with the very real possibility that it is possible to love everyone, by definition.  Or, you can feel free to choose an antonym.  It is really that easy.

"We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it."

-- John Lennon

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com