The Actual Meaning of Love, and Why I Hate the English Language

Alright, I've had it. I was once a culprit, but I am now going to be a different man. I feel that the meaning of the word love in the English language has been degraded to a non-functional point, and I need to put a stop to it.

love

   [luhv]  Show IPA noun, verb, loved, lov·ing.

noun

1.

a profoundly tender, passionate affection for anotherperson.

2.

a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

3.

sexual passion or desire.

4.

a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person;sweetheart.

5.

(used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection,or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?

The English language is incomplete and folly, as well as not obeying any rules set forward by anybody but itself- sort of like the many countries that speak it. But, there is a point where there has to be another word. I am in love with my girlfriend, Lejana. I love her. This is a serious form of this word that means something emotional. And then, facebook contains billions of females, males, and whatevers saying "I love you" "I love this" "I LOOOVE THAT" etc. For what purpose and reason is there no standard whereby to measure the form of liking you have for an object other than the word 'love'?


When the Savior speaks to Peter in the New Testament, and asks if Peter "loves" him, it should read differently, and then a pastor speaks of this whole situation in this way:


The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love". This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically less than a year, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships...The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) uses two different words to describe and define love. The most commonly used Greek word translated "love" in the New Testament is "agape." This love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love probably best exemplified by God's provision for our rebellion:

"For God so loved (agape) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The gift³ of God's son as a provision for sin⁴ was given to all humans,⁵ regardless of who we are.⁶ God's love is unconditional.⁷

In contrast, our love is usually conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction. The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often translated "brotherly love." Phileo is a soulish (connected through our emotions) kind of love - something that can be experienced by both believers and non-believers. This is in contrast to agape, which is love extended through the spirit. Agape love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, since the non-regenerated soul is unable to love unconditionally. Agape love gives and sacrifices expecting nothing back in return.⁸

(http://www.godandscience.org/love/what_is_love.html)

I have to agree here with the self proclaimed Pastor Deem. What a beautiful way to show the Savior's love for us, but in contrast, how sad it is that we don't truly understand how powerful this word is, and it is strewn about as though it has no value.

There is a quote that has been circulating the internet, one that I think stands out in this situation:

"As sex got easier to get, love has gotten harder to find"

--Anonymous

The world is becoming a place of values that are confused with all sorts of worldly ideals. It is hard to understand how much someone cares for us when someone tells us they love us if the word, and the idea means nothing to us as human beings. Satan has been able to corrupt homes, to tear apart families, to dispand all things that were good, because of counterfeiting principles, ideals, and morals. I REFUSE to let him take the one thing that reminds us why we do things for others- the idea of love. Jesus Christ died because he loved us. He did that so that we could one day stand before God, and beg for the Atonement of the Savior to allow us into His presence. That kind of love is sacred, and powerful, and CANNOT be mistaken; and while the world degrades love, I will not lose it's identity in my mind.

I will no longer use the word love as a description of something that pleases me, nor use it in a way that degrades it's meaning. I ask you to band with me.

--Brack