Although love is the most precious thing in the universe, the most powerful force in existence, the greatest of laws, and the quickest path back to God; definitions of it are very limiting & cannot express its true essence. For, love is the very nature of God; and therefore, not best expressed in words. We may be able to vaguely describe it; but these definitions limit love’s true greatness. However, I guess we’ll have to give it a try anyway.

To love does not mean that we simply have an affectionate feeling towards another person. And very often the love which we have for our friends, spouses/partners, family, etc… is not really a true love, but more of an attachment. The true or spiritualized love which we are born from is much greater than this. It is an infinite love. It is a love which only wants, and wills, what is good for someone else. To show love to someone means that we respond to their need and have a sincere care or concern for them. In fact, according to Buddhist philosophy the definition of love is “the concern that all beings, including our enemies, continually enjoy happiness and be free from any harm or suffering.”

Now many people put unnecessary obstacles in their way, because when they hear the expressions “love thy neighbor” or “love your enemies” they think that they must cultivate warm & affectionate feelings towards each & every individual. But, this is not the true meaning; and it would be almost impossible to feel this way towards every person in the world. For, just as it is natural to meet people who’s company we enjoy, & with whom we have similar interests; it is just as natural to also meet other people with whom we have little to nothing in common, and with whom our personalities just clash.

However, the key to “love thy neighbor & enemy” is that if these people were in need then the absence of “warm or affectionate” feelings should NOT hinder or prevent a response from us to help or do good. Spiritually, we are all brothers & sisters; and if one of the members of our family is hurting or in need, then we should want & be motivated to do what we can to help that person. If you can lend a helping hand to anyone, regardless of how you may feel about them, then know that you are acting from love.

Notice that earlier I said to love is to “want or will what is good for someone else”; I didn’t say “give” because there may be times in which we may not be able to actually give someone what we would like. For example: a parent can’t always give health to a sick or dying child; or a friend may be in deep financial difficulties that we don’t have enough money to give them. But, even if we cannot give exactly what they need that doesn’t mean that we aren’t expressing love. We are still showing a deep & generous love as long as within us we are wanting & willing to help in such situations. And though we can’t give them what they need our love will be expressed in other ways.

One other thing is that if anything we do is being done for some type of personal gain, then know that real love is not being shown. For, love is never self-centered. And neither does love ever stop to think about whether another person is deserving or not. True love simply shares itself with others physically, emotionally, & spiritually.

St Paul probably expressed love the best when he wrote:

^“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs [forgives]. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Therefore, while walking our spiritual path we must try to consciously cultivate this type of love in our lives. By nurturing and sharing a love such as this we are actually manifesting God’s own Spirit into the world around us. And so, I’ll leave you with one last thing reflect upon:

Our spiritual development doesn’t progress by the things that we do, but by the amount of love with which we do them.

God bless & remember to always – Heed the Spirit,

Anthony

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