The Essence of Existence
Love is not just a feeling; it is a fundamental trait of life, the very essence of existence. It is the principle that gives birth to all the good qualities in humanity. When a relationship is founded on love, everything essential will naturally follow. If you genuinely love someone, you will constantly seek to please them and satisfy them in all aspects. Love is not merely a sentiment; it is the foundation, the brick and mortar, of everything that makes up an ideal relationship. It protects, provides, nurtures, and is the wellspring of all good and healthy emotions.
In fact, there is not enough wisdom or intelligence in this world to fully define love, for as it is written, God is love. Love is the fundamental force of life, deeply intertwined with the divine and the essence of all good qualities in humanity. The depth of love transcends mere sentiment, as it embodies the very nature of God.
By the way, I use the word “force” for lack of a better term; in such subjects, my vocabulary is limited. Love is the sustaining force rather than a transient feeling. It is the highest principle, guiding and enriching all human interactions. It is true that love does not find joy in any form of evil, yet it is a lie to say that you withdraw from people you love because they are evil, hostile, or hurt you. It was love that chose His enemies; He chose death over life because He longed and yearned to be with those who were hostile to Him. Yes, He, Love, will never impose Himself on anyone who rejects Him, yet He will never stop loving and seeking to draw such a one.
The idea that love is not enough proceeds straight from the pit of hell. It implies that God is not enough, which explains why we regard so many things as essential while neglecting the only One we truly need. Because we lack love, we fail to produce the fruits of love and, in turn, blame love. With love alone, there can be no lack of the needs and essential wants of the one loved, for love will provide and satisfy both the lover and the beloved. We mistake the things that love produces—the fruits of love—for love itself. As a result, we favor the gifts over the giver. We worship the gifts while demoting and condemning the giver.
“If you love me, keep my commandments” John 14:15.
Obedience As A Powerful Expression of Love
There is danger in obeying out of obligation, in obeying merely from a legislative point of view, or in obeying because it is required of you, without any substantial reason but simply adhering to the letter of the law. Doing things for someone merely because you feel obligated or compelled to is a dangerous fallacy. Since the law is a love covenantal document, obedience should then be an act of love. It should be driven by a strong will to show kindness towards the object of one’s love, to express goodwill, and to establish a platform to please the object of that love. Obedience should also serve as a shield from hurt or any form of hostility toward the loved one. Obedience then becomes an act of sincere, pure, and holy affection; it becomes an unchanging principle that springs from an unwavering determination to please the loved one. Obeying the commandments of God is not just about following rules; it is about expressing love in its most sincere and sacred form. Love supreme to God and love impartial to our fellowmen.
