#81 - What is Love?

What is Love?

The dictionary defines love in several ways such as:

(1) :  strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties<maternal love for a child> (2) :  attraction based on sexual desire :  affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) :  affection based on admiration,benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>
 

or:

unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) :  the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) :  brotherly concern for others

In the English language, there is one word for the emotion of love with several definitions.  In the Greek language, there are at least  four words to describe love; Storge means affection such as that of parents for their children. Philos means friendship or affectionate love such as loyalty to friends, family and community.  Eros is the feeling of love and can lead to lust as well as passion. And there is Agape which is an unselfish love.

Are these definitions really adequate to fully describe the emotion of love?  Initially, one might look at these various definitions and say “Yup, that pretty much covers it.”  But, do they really?  Do they adequately describe the love of a person that selflessly cares for their aged, ailing spouse to the detriment of their own health?  Do these definitions adequately describe the love that is shared by the elderly couple that shuffles down the street walking hand in hand after 50, 60 or even 70 years of marriage?  Do they really describe your desire to work hard on a relationship that falls on hard times because life happens?

Agape love is probably the closest description of the ideal love, but can’t quite convey the feelings you have for your soul mate.  This love permeates all aspects of your relationship.  It ties the intellectual, spiritual and physical connections together in such a way that make your bonds to each other virtually unbreakable.  Anyone that has experienced this type of love will agree that there are no words to adequately describe the feeling.  Strive to find that agape or, unconditional love in your relationship and settle for nothing less from your mate.

Do you share an unconditional love with your mate/spouse?  Share your story with us.