We know how to use love, but most of us do not yet know how to love. This simple word has been the puzzle of most pundits, poets and philosophers since time immemorial. The fundamental question on my mind is whether love of one’s wife should be the same as love of one’s child, one’s friend, one’s enemy, other animals and God. Is this four letter word the same when applied to any one of the various entities or should we make distinctions?I do not think the meaning of love is universal, just as we do not onto our wives as we do onto our enemies, who we must also love in accordance with most scriptures. But what matters is the fundamental basis of love: lack of hate, no prejudice, compassion, altruistic, respect for the other, and the capacity to share in the joy and pain of others.
If one were to love the Gandhian way, their heart would be incapable of any distinctions among the beloved. If we are to be lovers of God, his options would be either to remain alone or make the whole world a beloved. That is to say that there is no distinction between love for God and love of the world. Since we do not see God, at least not physically, as far as I know, is it then possible that it makes sense to love each other as we would love a god?
It is written in the Bible that we should love our neighbours as ourselves, which in essence means we shall not not love ourselves. Therefore selfishness is a virtue…to love ourselves so much that we are willing to love others as much. Is it then possible that we could over come many fears by simply loving? Gandhi held a firm conviction that we could convert our greatest enemies by love. This idea resonates the turning of the other cheek and letting the coat thief have thy cloak too.
No matter what your beliefs or ideals, learn to love; you shall no longer need any other commandments. For J.C. himself said that love is the greatest commandment of them all. While we might not know exactly what the word means, in Gandhi’s words, love can make a friend of even a sworn enemy. So, as you face your battles in life, remember to wear the armor of love...for that alone shall protect you.
