What is love?

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

1 Corinthians. 13. 3. “If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to hardship, that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Clearly then, love is an asset that can be cultured. Or is it?
The chapter goes on to describe the attributes of love; kindness, not envious, boastful or proud, not easily angered and does not keep a record of ills, does not delight in evil, rejoices in truth and always trusts, hopes and perseveres.
There is though, another slant to love, and that is justice. There are also integral with love, all other attributes of existence:- generosity, empathy, strength of character, honesty, humility and conscience etc. Yet of all things, love is the most ethereal of all attributes of the body and yet, does not actually exist except in terms of, what? It is clearly integral within us, moreso if it is missing.
As a creation, we respond to love in a variety of ways, but those are an outcome of motivation, though ‘loving’ in action, or recognised to be born of love. Jehovah is spoken of as “love”.
So what is the substance of love?

 

[SusanB]

1 Corinthians. 13. 3. “If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to hardship, that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Clearly then, love is an asset that can be cultured. Or is it?
The chapter goes on to describe the attributes of love; kindness, not envious, boastful or proud, not easily angered and does not keep a record of ills, does not delight in evil, rejoices in truth and always trusts, hopes and perseveres.
There is though, another slant to love, and that is justice. There are also integral with love, all other attributes of existence:- generosity, empathy, strength of character, honesty, humility and conscience etc. Yet of all things, love is the most ethereal of all attributes of the body and yet, does not actually exist except in terms of, what? It is clearly integral within us, moreso if it is missing.
As a creation, we respond to love in a variety of ways, but those are an outcome of motivation, though ‘loving’ in action, or recognised to be born of love. Jehovah is spoken of as “love”.
So what is the substance of love?

Just my opinion and not scripture, I think some facets of love can be developed but I also think the depth of love that most of us desire to have can only be attained through both our actively working on it’s development coupled with God’s spirit.

 

[SusanB]

1 Corinthians. 13. 3. “If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to hardship, that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Clearly then, love is an asset that can be cultured. Or is it?
The chapter goes on to describe the attributes of love; kindness, not envious, boastful or proud, not easily angered and does not keep a record of ills, does not delight in evil, rejoices in truth and always trusts, hopes and perseveres.
There is though, another slant to love, and that is justice. There are also integral with love, all other attributes of existence:- generosity, empathy, strength of character, honesty, humility and conscience etc. Yet of all things, love is the most ethereal of all attributes of the body and yet, does not actually exist except in terms of, what? It is clearly integral within us, moreso if it is missing.
As a creation, we respond to love in a variety of ways, but those are an outcome of motivation, though ‘loving’ in action, or recognised to be born of love. Jehovah is spoken of as “love”.
So what is the substance of love?

My first post didn’t address your question at the end. So, I will try to address it regarding the substance of love. In my mind (a scary place to be, but it’s all I have to work with at the moment) love is a feeling that impels one to take action either toward other people, other things or even self that is for the benefit of the target. Does that make sense? Does that address your question?

 

[Robert194972]

1 Corinthians. 13. 3. “If I give all I possess to the poor and give my body to hardship, that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Clearly then, love is an asset that can be cultured. Or is it?
The chapter goes on to describe the attributes of love; kindness, not envious, boastful or proud, not easily angered and does not keep a record of ills, does not delight in evil, rejoices in truth and always trusts, hopes and perseveres.
There is though, another slant to love, and that is justice. There are also integral with love, all other attributes of existence:- generosity, empathy, strength of character, honesty, humility and conscience etc. Yet of all things, love is the most ethereal of all attributes of the body and yet, does not actually exist except in terms of, what? It is clearly integral within us, moreso if it is missing.
As a creation, we respond to love in a variety of ways, but those are an outcome of motivation, though ‘loving’ in action, or recognised to be born of love. Jehovah is spoken of as “love”.
So what is the substance of love?

God is Love Agape all the other so called fruit-age are aspects of Agape. I for one don't even come close to knowing what love is? I suspect I can continue in my development the best I can.

 

[SollaSollew]

So what is the substance of love?

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world for him to judge the world, but for the world to be saved through him."

 

[Ana]

1 Corintios. 13. 3. “Si doy todo lo que poseo a los pobres y doy mi cuerpo a las tribulaciones para gloriarme, pero no tengo amor, de nada gano”.
Claramente entonces, el amor es un bien que se puede cultivar. ¿O es eso?
El capítulo continúa describiendo los atributos del amor; bondad, no envidioso, jactancioso ni orgulloso, no se enoja fácilmente y no lleva registro de los males, no se deleita en el mal, se regocija en la verdad y siempre confía, espera y persevera.
Sin embargo, hay otra inclinación hacia el amor, y esa es la justicia. También son integrales con el amor, todos los demás atributos de la existencia: generosidad, empatía, fuerza de carácter, honestidad, humildad y conciencia, etc. Sin embargo, de todas las cosas, el amor es el más etéreo de todos los atributos del cuerpo y, sin embargo, no existen realmente excepto en términos de, ¿qué? Es claramente integral dentro de nosotros, más aún si falta.
Como creación, respondemos al amor en una variedad de formas, pero esas son el resultado de la motivación, aunque 'amamos' en acción, o reconocemos que nacen del amor. Se habla de Jehová como “amor”.
Entonces, ¿cuál es la sustancia del amor?

La esencia del amor es Jehova. En mi opinión es El dador de esa cualidad. El amor nos hace a los humanos, nosotros no podemos hacerlo a el. Apenas somos torpes practicantes en el intento. Es hasta un concepto existencial para mí, pues sin ese fruto del espíritu no me gustaría vivir y es que nos sería imposible, vivir sin Jehova, sería como negar su existencia. Amar para que el otro sea feliz y ame a su vez a otros . Creo que de ahí el mandato de Jesús de amar hasta a tus enemigos. Amar como Jehová nos ama a nosotros, con su bondad inmerecida, recibiendo tanto sin valorarlo en tantas ocasiones, pero con esa necesidad de manifestarse aunque no sea devuelto. La pobreza está en la capacidad de no manifestarlo. La humildad está envuelta también en el amor. La justicia de amar a Jehová por encima de todo. El amor que demostramos cuando los demás tropiezan y sufren,a quien no le gusta que le laman las heridas. Esa gratificación de servir para cambiar el rumbo del sufrimiento humano, independientemente de sus actos, ofreciendo amor. El amor está por encima de todo literalmente. Los ojos de Jehová están puestos en la humanidad. Y así estaría horas y horas...hablando del amor que veo cada vez que abro las Santas Escrituras. Así que...os quiero a todos los que lean esto, os quiero mucho bonitos!!!!♥️

 

[SusanB]

This is the authoritative answer:

 

[SusanB]

God is Love Agape all the other so called fruit-age are aspects of Agape. I for one don't even come close to knowing what love is? I suspect I can continue in my development the best I can.

Hi Brother Robert194972. You statement is sooo true of really all imperfect humanity. How can we ever completely understand the most pure form of love while we are so imperfect and we fall so far from the way Jehovah originally created us. But as you say we can continue in the development as the best we can.

 

[RR144]

Chapter 13 is a practical way of pointing out what love is. Many Christians are apt to look at these categories and conclude they have love, yet the categories could be a false indicator. This love is not that easy to get, and it is not what is commonly perceived to be love.

The Corinthians put speaking in tongues and oratory on a very high level. The Greeks were known for their ability to speak. They could express themselves in a fluid way and arouse the emotions of their audience to a high pitch. Moreover, they esteemed knowledge.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and [the tongues] of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” “Tongues of men” would be known languages such as Hebrew or Greek. For example, the apostles spoke to those gathered at Pentecost in their native tongues (Acts 2:7,8).

Paul then went to the highest extreme—the tongues of angels—to show that even if that level could be reached, love is far superior. Paul was contrasting men with literal angels. He also said, “Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains.” Such a literal act is impossible for us to accomplish by faith. Jesus made a similar statement with regard to faith that can move a literal mountain—something that is impossible for us to do. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain [he pointed to it], Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove” (Matt. 17:20). Jesus also said, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:6). Paul was using the utmost extreme to offset or contrast the importance of love. In other words, even if he could speak with the tongues of angels and even if he had faith to move mountains, those acts would not be commensurate with the importance of love.

“And though I ... understand all mysteries.” Actually, it would be impossible for one to know even some of God’s mysteries without having some love, but it is impossible for one to know all mysteries, for the Lord does not disclose all of them. Again, Paul used the extreme to point out the importance of love. Many take just one little facet of love to downplay knowledge. And some try to minimize the ministry of others by pointing out that love is more important than knowledge. That is true from the apostle’s standpoint, but those who use that argument as a yardstick are putting themselves in the position of judging. To judge that others do not have enough love is not the prerogative of the Christian in the present life.

Generosity, faith, and knowledge are looked upon as evidences of love. It is true that they can be indicators, but they are not reliable proofs. The Lord gives intimate knowledge only to those who are faithful to Him. However, we cannot necessarily judge by that general rule. The subject of love is very deep. As brethren, we are inclined to think we know, by nature, what love is, but love must be studied over a lifetime.

Even if one gives all of his goods to feed the poor or gives his body to be burned, that is not a proof of love. In the latter case, consider that down through history, far more than 144,000 were martyred, and not all were Christians. There are two ways of dying in the Lord. One way is to die for Christ. The much superior way is to die with Christ. Some die just for a principle of truth, for what they believe is right, which has nothing to do with being a follower of Jesus. Therefore, to die as a martyr is not necessarily a proof of the possession of love, but to die in doing God’s will could be an evidence of love for the Lord.

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

This is the authoritative answer:

Soon as I looked at this title I knew that song! Yeah! that’s the authoritive answer. Love = don’t hurt me. Hmm…makes sense. ☺️

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

My first post didn’t address your question at the end. So, I will try to address it regarding the substance of love. In my mind (a scary place to be, but it’s all I have to work with at the moment) love is a feeling that impels one to take action either toward other people, other things or even self that is for the benefit of the target. Does that make sense? Does that address your question?

Thanks for the reply. It is difficult to describe the substance of love. How do the cells in the body, generate a sense of attachment? Jehovah is the epitome of love. The scripture points to it being the most necessary of all commands and essential to all other facets of humanity. But where does it come from? I just wondered as the book of Genesis points out that Jehovah’s response was to throw Adam out of the garden before he became “as one of us”. Clearly that is not in form, but in completion.

 

[SusanB]

Thanks for the reply. It is difficult to describe the substance of love. How do the cells in the body, generate a sense of attachment? Jehovah is the epitome of love. The scripture points to it being the most necessary of all commands and essential to all other facets of humanity. But where does it come from? I just wondered as the book of Genesis points out that Jehovah’s response was to throw Adam out of the garden before he became “as one of us”. Clearly that is not in form, but in completion.

Great things to ponder.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

La esencia del amor es Jehova. En mi opinión es El dador de esa cualidad. El amor nos hace a los humanos, nosotros no podemos hacerlo a el. Apenas somos torpes practicantes en el intento. Es hasta un concepto existencial para mí, pues sin ese fruto del espíritu no me gustaría vivir y es que nos sería imposible, vivir sin Jehova, sería como negar su existencia. Amar para que el otro sea feliz y ame a su vez a otros . Creo que de ahí el mandato de Jesús de amar hasta a tus enemigos. Amar como Jehová nos ama a nosotros, con su bondad inmerecida, recibiendo tanto sin valorarlo en tantas ocasiones, pero con esa necesidad de manifestarse aunque no sea devuelto. La pobreza está en la capacidad de no manifestarlo. La humildad está envuelta también en el amor. La justicia de amar a Jehová por encima de todo. El amor que demostramos cuando los demás tropiezan y sufren,a quien no le gusta que le laman las heridas. Esa gratificación de servir para cambiar el rumbo del sufrimiento humano, independientemente de sus actos, ofreciendo amor. El amor está por encima de todo literalmente. Los ojos de Jehová están puestos en la humanidad. Y así estaría horas y horas...hablando del amor que veo cada vez que abro las Santas Escrituras. Así que...os quiero a todos los que lean esto, os quiero mucho bonitos!!!!♥️

Thanks for your reply. You describe very well the facets of love. What I am trying to understand is what causes it within us, our capacity to understand and respond to it and how this is manifest in Jehovah. The greater the depth of understanding, the better we can control our emotions. What is clear is that our appreciation of love has degrees and levels, can be false, shallow or deeply felt in genuine concern for another. It even provokes a change in the chemistry of our body.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

God is Love Agape all the other so called fruit-age are aspects of Agape. I for one don't even come close to knowing what love is? I suspect I can continue in my development the best I can.

Me too! That is why I asked the question. I just have no idea.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

This is the authoritative answer:

I thought you might come up with something like that! 🧐👍

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Chapter 13 is a practical way of pointing out what love is. Many Christians are apt to look at these categories and conclude they have love, yet the categories could be a false indicator. This love is not that easy to get, and it is not what is commonly perceived to be love.

The Corinthians put speaking in tongues and oratory on a very high level. The Greeks were known for their ability to speak. They could express themselves in a fluid way and arouse the emotions of their audience to a high pitch. Moreover, they esteemed knowledge.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and [the tongues] of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” “Tongues of men” would be known languages such as Hebrew or Greek. For example, the apostles spoke to those gathered at Pentecost in their native tongues (Acts 2:7,8).

Paul then went to the highest extreme—the tongues of angels—to show that even if that level could be reached, love is far superior. Paul was contrasting men with literal angels. He also said, “Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains.” Such a literal act is impossible for us to accomplish by faith. Jesus made a similar statement with regard to faith that can move a literal mountain—something that is impossible for us to do. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain [he pointed to it], Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove” (Matt. 17:20). Jesus also said, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:6). Paul was using the utmost extreme to offset or contrast the importance of love. In other words, even if he could speak with the tongues of angels and even if he had faith to move mountains, those acts would not be commensurate with the importance of love.

“And though I ... understand all mysteries.” Actually, it would be impossible for one to know even some of God’s mysteries without having some love, but it is impossible for one to know all mysteries, for the Lord does not disclose all of them. Again, Paul used the extreme to point out the importance of love. Many take just one little facet of love to downplay knowledge. And some try to minimize the ministry of others by pointing out that love is more important than knowledge. That is true from the apostle’s standpoint, but those who use that argument as a yardstick are putting themselves in the position of judging. To judge that others do not have enough love is not the prerogative of the Christian in the present life.

Generosity, faith, and knowledge are looked upon as evidences of love. It is true that they can be indicators, but they are not reliable proofs. The Lord gives intimate knowledge only to those who are faithful to Him. However, we cannot necessarily judge by that general rule. The subject of love is very deep. As brethren, we are inclined to think we know, by nature, what love is, but love must be studied over a lifetime.

Even if one gives all of his goods to feed the poor or gives his body to be burned, that is not a proof of love. In the latter case, consider that down through history, far more than 144,000 were martyred, and not all were Christians. There are two ways of dying in the Lord. One way is to die for Christ. The much superior way is to die with Christ. Some die just for a principle of truth, for what they believe is right, which has nothing to do with being a follower of Jesus. Therefore, to die as a martyr is not necessarily a proof of the possession of love, but to die in doing God’s will could be an evidence of love for the Lord.

“Love is far superior”. Yes, one cannot deny that. We see the evidence of it, but not the driving force. Love appears to be a driving force and the evidence of it is tangible in its works. Yet it does not explain how it is a sense of being within us, other than to say in the scripture, that God is love.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Chapter 13 is a practical way of pointing out what love is. Many Christians are apt to look at these categories and conclude they have love, yet the categories could be a false indicator. This love is not that easy to get, and it is not what is commonly perceived to be love.

The Corinthians put speaking in tongues and oratory on a very high level. The Greeks were known for their ability to speak. They could express themselves in a fluid way and arouse the emotions of their audience to a high pitch. Moreover, they esteemed knowledge.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and [the tongues] of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” “Tongues of men” would be known languages such as Hebrew or Greek. For example, the apostles spoke to those gathered at Pentecost in their native tongues (Acts 2:7,8).

Paul then went to the highest extreme—the tongues of angels—to show that even if that level could be reached, love is far superior. Paul was contrasting men with literal angels. He also said, “Though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains.” Such a literal act is impossible for us to accomplish by faith. Jesus made a similar statement with regard to faith that can move a literal mountain—something that is impossible for us to do. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain [he pointed to it], Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove” (Matt. 17:20). Jesus also said, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:6). Paul was using the utmost extreme to offset or contrast the importance of love. In other words, even if he could speak with the tongues of angels and even if he had faith to move mountains, those acts would not be commensurate with the importance of love.

“And though I ... understand all mysteries.” Actually, it would be impossible for one to know even some of God’s mysteries without having some love, but it is impossible for one to know all mysteries, for the Lord does not disclose all of them. Again, Paul used the extreme to point out the importance of love. Many take just one little facet of love to downplay knowledge. And some try to minimize the ministry of others by pointing out that love is more important than knowledge. That is true from the apostle’s standpoint, but those who use that argument as a yardstick are putting themselves in the position of judging. To judge that others do not have enough love is not the prerogative of the Christian in the present life.

Generosity, faith, and knowledge are looked upon as evidences of love. It is true that they can be indicators, but they are not reliable proofs. The Lord gives intimate knowledge only to those who are faithful to Him. However, we cannot necessarily judge by that general rule. The subject of love is very deep. As brethren, we are inclined to think we know, by nature, what love is, but love must be studied over a lifetime.

Even if one gives all of his goods to feed the poor or gives his body to be burned, that is not a proof of love. In the latter case, consider that down through history, far more than 144,000 were martyred, and not all were Christians. There are two ways of dying in the Lord. One way is to die for Christ. The much superior way is to die with Christ. Some die just for a principle of truth, for what they believe is right, which has nothing to do with being a follower of Jesus. Therefore, to die as a martyr is not necessarily a proof of the possession of love, but to die in doing God’s will could be an evidence of love for the Lord.

I have always thought of love as being more important than knowledge, yet knowledge refines love and expands its boundaries. Maybe knowledge is interchangeable as a facet of human existence, with experience, because it is not necessary to praise Jehovah and appreciate His attributes. If it were, then how are the myriads that have been before us supposed to have availed themselves of love in Jehovah during the dark ages and before even Genesis was written, where the bible was withheld by the clergy of the day. Acts of love are neither dependant on knowledge, but on commitment to values that are by their generosity, instinctive and noble to the point of death.

Likewise, you note that dying for a cause is not necessarily an indicator of faith, and yes, I agree entirely with you. However, though true, the motive of the person can not be apparent and in any event, is inspired by their understanding and appreciation of the scripture and their place within it. Dying with or for Christ carries (in my opinion) a similar value as to the widow’s mite. It was offered from her need, rather than from her surplus and can any of us say that our faith is so accomplished that it measures in understanding with the sacrifice of Christ? I think not. Maybe, and it’s probably very true, I argue as one with little knowledge because I cannot in any way boast a good insight into scripture, only that I value what I do know. I have no six-shooter of knowledge in the bible that I can fire off before the lettered in the scriptures can run off a few quotes. And in what way does academia inform the heart?

My view is one of heart motivation and in contemplation of the works of Jehovah, and although the scriptures give me reassurance and insight into my contemplation, I cannot say that my faith in the creator has any more depth to it than it did when I was a child. I believe now in the same manner in which I believed then. Essentially, why I asked the question about the substance of love was to try to gain a better understanding of the essence of love. It is rather difficult to describe, but I know, as does everyone else here know, that there is far more depth to this subject in the substance of Jehovah than in our superficial expressions of such. Thanks for your thoughts though. It gives me much more to think on.

 

[TravellinRox]

I have always thought of love as being more important than knowledge, yet knowledge refines love and expands its boundaries. Maybe knowledge is interchangeable as a facet of human existence, with experience, because it is not necessary to praise Jehovah and appreciate His attributes. If it were, then how are the myriads that have been before us supposed to have availed themselves of love in Jehovah during the dark ages and before even Genesis was written, where the bible was withheld by the clergy of the day. Acts of love are neither dependant on knowledge, but on commitment to values that are by their generosity, instinctive and noble to the point of death.

Likewise, you note that dying for a cause is not necessarily an indicator of faith, and yes, I agree entirely with you. However, though true, the motive of the person can not be apparent and in any event, is inspired by their understanding and appreciation of the scripture and their place within it. Dying with or for Christ carries (in my opinion) a similar value as to the widow’s mite. It was offered from her need, rather than from her surplus and can any of us say that our faith is so accomplished that it measures in understanding with the sacrifice of Christ? I think not. Maybe, and it’s probably very true, I argue as one with little knowledge because I cannot in any way boast a good insight into scripture, only that I value what I do know. I have no six-shooter of knowledge in the bible that I can fire off before the lettered in the scriptures can run off a few quotes. And in what way does academia inform the heart?

My view is one of heart motivation and in contemplation of the works of Jehovah, and although the scriptures give me reassurance and insight into my contemplation, I cannot say that my faith in the creator has any more depth to it than it did when I was a child. I believe now in the same manner in which I believed then. Essentially, why I asked the question about the substance of love was to try to gain a better understanding of the essence of love. It is rather difficult to describe, but I know, as does everyone else here know, that there is far more depth to this subject in the substance of Jehovah than in our superficial expressions of such. Thanks for your thoughts though. It gives me much more to think on.

Jehovah is love …and perhaps the best we can do is try to imitate him (as imperfect as we are). There are many things we are cognizant of in this world and we may have a rudimentary understanding of how they work. Even scientists despite spending their lives and doing that on the backs of many others’ life’s work, cannot fully unravel the mysteries of life. They’ve made amazing discoveries but they are far from grasping that which is it’s complete ’essence’. They can even recreate, to an extent, some forms of life …but in the end, it always seems to turn out as some sort of franken-monster in comparison to Jehovah’s real creative abilities. Hence they often turn to AI in order to rival what Jehovah has been able to do by biological means.

We’ve been imbued with a quality that has its origination in a being that our puny minds were never meant to be able to fully comprehend. So perhaps, we’ll never, even in a state of perfection be entitled to that which may be patently the intellectual property of our great God, Himself. We know He reserves the right to keep some things to himself from the first couple chapters in Genesis. Our desire to attain to such knowledge may never be granted us. And then again, perhaps at some stage it may. However, I think, at this stage our best bet is to marvel in awe at what Jehovah has brought into being (Or perhaps, just what He is, in this case)

Marvelling at his works of creation can teach us some aspects of his love. Perusing through and meditating on the Word that He has provided for us fills in other gaps. Living our lives and meditating on the experiences, both positive and negative, can give us some insight into that which we so long to understand. But its in our focused attention on Jehovah and that in which He chooses to occupy Himself, in which our best chances lie in the attainment of such wisdom. Jesus taught that “it is enough for the disciple to be as his teacher.” As much as we may desire to understand love at its fundamental core and from whence it actually manifests in each one of us, it sadly may not be possible as humans to be able to comprehend on such a level. Just as perhaps we will never fully understand all the “dials” that Jehovah uses to keep the universe spinning.

That doesn’t mean we need to curtail our wondering. It just helps us to have the humility to understand that we may never fully attain the answer we‘re seeking. The journey, however, may teach us so many gems about love that we wouldn’t otherwise have unearthed. Thank you for starting this topic, Barnaby! You really sat me on my bottom and made me think …yeah, what do I really know about love at it’s very essence. And I think that‘s what Jehovah would like each of us to do personally. And when He sees us as an individual seriously contemplating how we may imitate Him in showing love, He will help us out in our efforts, strengthening them with His Holy Spirit. Kind of an “I will donate to your cause“ kind of deal lol. And we may be able to gauge the success of our efforts by the positive or negative effects of those efforts. However, as brought out, that’s not definitive. Yet we may not be able to fully see the entirety of the good or bad that may come about. Sometimes full realization comes with time.

So those are my musings to add to the pot😅

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Jehovah is love …and perhaps the best we can do is try to imitate him (as imperfect as we are). There are many things we are cognizant of in this world and we may have a rudimentary understanding of how they work. Even scientists despite spending their lives and doing that on the backs of many others’ life’s work, cannot fully unravel the mysteries of life. They’ve made amazing discoveries but they are far from grasping that which is it’s complete ’essence’. They can even recreate, to an extent, some forms of life …but in the end, it always seems to turn out as some sort of franken-monster in comparison to Jehovah’s real creative abilities. Hence they often turn to AI in order to rival what Jehovah has been able to do by biological means.

We’ve been imbued with a quality that has its origination in a being that our puny minds were never meant to be able to fully comprehend. So perhaps, we’ll never, even in a state of perfection be entitled to that which may be patently the intellectual property of our great God, Himself. We know He reserves the right to keep some things to himself from the first couple chapters in Genesis. Our desire to attain to such knowledge may never be granted us. And then again, perhaps at some stage it may. However, I think, at this stage our best bet is to marvel in awe at what Jehovah has brought into being (Or perhaps, just what He is, in this case)

Marvelling at his works of creation can teach us some aspects of his love. Perusing through and meditating on the Word that He has provided for us fills in other gaps. Living our lives and meditating on the experiences, both positive and negative, can give us some insight into that which we so long to understand. But its in our focused attention on Jehovah and that in which He chooses to occupy Himself, in which our best chances lie in the attainment of such wisdom. Jesus taught that “it is enough for the disciple to be as his teacher.” As much as we may desire to understand love at its fundamental core and from whence it actually manifests in each one of us, it sadly may not be possible as humans to be able to comprehend on such a level. Just as perhaps we will never fully understand all the “dials” that Jehovah uses to keep the universe spinning.

That doesn’t mean we need to curtail our wondering. It just helps us to have the humility to understand that we may never fully attain the answer we‘re seeking. The journey, however, may teach us so many gems about love that we wouldn’t otherwise have unearthed. Thank you for starting this topic, Barnaby! You really sat me on my bottom and made me think …yeah, what do I really know about love at it’s very essence. And I think that‘s what Jehovah would like each of us to do personally. And when He sees us as an individual seriously contemplating how we may imitate Him in showing love, He will help us out in our efforts, strengthening them with His Holy Spirit. Kind of an “I will donate to your cause“ kind of deal lol. And we may be able to gauge the success of our efforts by the positive or negative effects of those efforts. However, as brought out, that’s not definitive. Yet we may not be able to fully see the entirety of the good or bad that may come about. Sometimes full realization comes with time.

So those are my musings to add to the pot😅

Thanks for the time you took to write all that. Very kind of you. It certainly gives everyone something to chew on And especially me! Thanks.

 

[TravellinRox]

Thanks for the time you took to write all that. Very kind of you. It certainly gives everyone something to chew on And especially me! Thanks.

No worries, Barnaby! Just returning the favor lol. You’ve made me have to really think more than a time or two😅