In the English language, when we want to clarify information to make something more precise, we add an an adjective, an adverb, a noun or a pronoun. For example, “I ran 5 miles today,” or “She painted it blue.” These serve to qualify what we are saying, clearing away all other options that might confuse or misinform the other person. They are, by definition, highly exclusive. In other words, they narrow down for the sake of clarity, that we “did not run four miles or six miles today, but only five;” or “she didn’t paint it red or black, but blue.”
This is a very useful device when we want to be understood, but there may also be a bit of danger involved: the highly exclusive nature of clarification strongly hints at the exclusion of other things.
As in language, so in faith.
To say, “I love him,” or “I love her,” contains within itself the understanding that we are high-lighting someone, taking them out of the crowd, and focusing on them. It is, by definition, exclusive; it is as if we are saying, “I love him, but her I don’t like.” In other words, there are people out there who give us the joy of knowing them — those are the ones we love. For those who cost us energy and frustration, those are the ones we don’t.” Although we may never say exactly those words, how much we cherish the joy of human interaction speaks volumes. To qualify to whom we show love, is not to love: we may simply be enjoying how those particular people make us feel about ourselves. It may actually be a bit selfish.
A funny thing happens when our prayer life is strong (think: the saints). When we are united with the Source of Love Itself, we share in His love, and therefore are able to Love all and equally. Barring relationship with God, our love becomes particularized and based on the categories we set for happiness.
I love the message in this one.
It makes me really want to express and show my love for others in actions, like a smile or a helping hand, not just in the words ‘I love you’. Plus it made me think about those whom I consider I love, why I love them, and those whom I would never consider loving and why I don’t. I think differently about them now; not by how I love or hate the way they make me feel, but by how I love them for the person that they are. I feel like I love everybody now! hahaha
“When we are united with the Source of Love Itself, we share in His love, and therefore are able to Love all and equally”
I recall the words of Eric Liddell, Olympic runner, in his eloquent response to his missionary sister’s query as to why he ran:”God made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”