I am really enjoying this particular forum, as I can see there have been many thoughts poured into this subject. I would like to add my own thoughts. First of all, scripture states that God is love. The two are interchangeable; you can\'t have one without the other. And scripture also gives us a full description of what exactly love entails. 1 Cor. 13:4-13 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. This is awesome, because it gives us such a wonderful glimpse into who God is and who He is molding me into. I have been a follower of Christ for many years, and still do not consider myself to be a great example of love, for I am often rude, self-seeking, angered, grieved, etc. However, I am sanctified, given a NEW heart made of flesh instead of stone, and am being constantly renewed by the Holy Spirit. It is God\'s grace that continually and daily changes me to become more like Him and less like me. Now, concerning non-Christians. Do they love with a worldly love? It is a childish love, a love that has expectations, limitations, imperfections, polutions...it is blind, wild, and self-serving, even in its purest forms, continually desiring its own way. But, then along comes perfection...Jesus Christ. Childish love is replaced by mature love...agape love... a patient, kind, humble, pure love. I am no longer the master. I long to love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength and consider others better than myself. This is true love.

Post edited by: YP_Heath, at: 2008/05/20 16:18