February 9th, 2009 | by O.A. Wisen
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Love is one of life’s greatest insights. Depending on a person’s exposure, experiences, and level of understanding, such a person will have views on love that may differ from those of another with different exposures. These different views (provided they are legitimate) are what can be termed, the threads of love. Each thread by itself holds its importance and relevance in a relationship, but when a person has various threads in his (or her) possession, he is in a position to weave a beautiful and sturdy fabric that is appealing and can stand the test of time.

Is there really love, or is it just an illusion?

In the spirit of valentine, let us remind ourselves of salient points of love that we might have forgotten, or may have never known. Valentine has always been about love and the expression of it. Cards and gifts are great expressions of love. But, there is more to love than cards and gifts, even though they are threads of love in their own right.

When You Love Someone

1. First, be able to love yourself so it’s easier to properly love someone else without reservation.
2. You should to be able to say it and show it. This can be harder to say to some, and easier to say to others. Where it may be hard, we should continue to work on it in hopes that one day it’ll be easier.
3. Always make an effort do things that are loveable, and not things that cause rifts.
4. It easier to serve them (or render service on their behalf) and totally enjoy it.
5. Life should definitely feel better when you are around and not worse.
6. You will choose to speak tenderly to them.
7. Love and faithfulness will coexist together. We cannot love someone if we are not faithful to them.
8. The greater the love that exists for another, the greater the capacity to embrace in spite of shortcomings.
9. The greater the love that exists from another, the greater the capacity to do away with personal shortcomings.
10. You should automatically care honor promises you make.
11. Love makes room for tolerance and patience.
12. You encourage fairness and are careful not to do things that may jeopardize it.

How do two people know that they share the greatest love? They know when they can love with everything that they individually have. Basically, not picking and choosing between what things they can share with each other, and what things they hold back. They know when even the highest form of selfishness has ebbed away.

What Love Does

1. Love can cause you to change your mind in a positive direction
2. It causes you to keep your word
3. It teaches forgiveness
4. Love may chastise, but only when necessary. An age old proverb states, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”
5. It provides comfort
6. It brings about peace and happiness in the home or relationship
7. It is said that love covers a multitude of sins
8. Love flatters
9. Love can be intoxicating
10. Love causes you to give of yourself and give from your resources (such as gifts)
11. Love strengthens a commitment and fosters dedication

Husbands love your wife, and wives love your husband. Love your family, love your friends, and love your neighbors. Remember that platonic love can be (and should be) shared; romantic love on the other hand should not. As such, a categorical difference between both instances should exist and should not be muddled together.
It is hard to love something if your heart is not in it. You can pretend for a while, but there is no longevity there. It is also easier for someone to love you if you can show that you love them.

Examples of Things People Typically Love

1. People love those they can count on or rely on.
2. People love those who speak the truth, or say the right thing.
3. People love to live peaceably.
4. People love God. It is a common belief by many, that if you love God, it is easier to love yourself and others.

Love is one of life’s greatest insights. Everything leading to perfect love is a process. Since no one is perfect, this would probably be a life long process, in which, hopefully, we learn as we grow. All that the good steward can do is work at amassing these various “threads” that expand the ability and versatility to love. In the spirit of Valentine, and thereafter, let love be genuine. In closing I leave with two more adages –

Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.

As always, if you have anything to add or share, do so with great comments! HAPPY VALENTINE’S.

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