excerpt from the following web site:
http://www.allaboutgod.com/god-is-love.htm

God is Love: How do we Define Love?

"God is Love", but how do we define it? The American Heritage Dictionary defines love as "an intense affection for another person based on familial or personal ties". Often this "intense affection" stems from a sexual attraction for that other person. We love other people, or we say we love other people, when we are attracted to them and when they make us feel good. Notice that a key phrase in the dictionary definition of love is the phrase "based on". This phrase implies that we love conditionally; in other words, we love someone because they fulfill a condition that we require before we can love them. How many times have you heard or said, "I love you because you are cute;" or "I love you because you take good care of me;" or "I love you because you are fun to be with"?

Our love is not only conditional, it is also mercurial. We love based on feelings and emotions that can change from one moment to the next. The divorce rate is extremely high in today's society because husbands and wives supposedly stop loving one another-or they "fall out of love". They may go through a rough patch in their marriage, and they no longer "feel" love for their spouse, so they call it quits. Evidently, their marriage vow of "till death do us part" means they can part at the death of their love for their spouse rather than at their physical death.

Can anyone really comprehend "unconditional" love? It seems the love that parents have for their children is as close to unconditional love as we can get without the help of God's love in our lives. We continue to love our children through good times and bad, and we don't stop loving them if they don't meet the expectations we may have for them. We make a choice to love our children even when we consider them unlovable; our love doesn't stop when we don't "feel" love for them. This is similar to God's love for us, but as we shall see, God's love transcends the human definition of love to a point that is hard for us to comprehend.

--- end of excerpt ---

My question is what are your thoughts on why parents can feel this sort of unconditional love for their children?

I personally believe it is because God made us in his image, and his fatherly feelings passed on into man and woman.

Of course their are delinquent parents, but most of them have some sort of inner problem that leads to their behaviour, and even the deliquent parents often try to come back into their child's life at a later time, and we have all watched the shows of parents and children re-uniting and all the tears and emotions involved - if you did not know a union was going on you could easily perceive it to be a funeral type event(minus the coffin and funeral attire)

why do you think we can love our children this way, but often find it hard to display unconditional love for our marriage partner?

......why do you think we can love our children this way, but often find it hard to display unconditional love for our marriage partner?

But I think we can display, just as easily, this unconditional love, however imperfect, towards our partners as well as to our kids. Assuming of course that we know what this love is. Ideally this love gets passed down from Mother and Father to the children who in turn pass it onto their children. I think love has to be taught almost anew with each generation.

Religion can be a great facilitator of this love. I think you will agree with me that it is found in all the great religions. It is found in religions that know nothing of the God of the Christian. Yet, religion is not the only teacher of this love. I am sure there are loving Communist families. I know there are loving Atheist families. Love is one of the survival tools that mankind has used down through the ages to keep the family union together. A strong family can weather almost any storm.

Medical doctors will tell us that a child that is loved grows faster and stronger than one that is not. A child that is loved is not neglected, therefore it has a better chance of survival. A family, or a group or tribe, that loves watches out for its members in a world that is filled with dangers. Love allows us to tend to the older members even after they cease being "contributors" to the tribe.

The saying that "God is love" leaves me a bit uncomfortable. As I read the Christian Bible, I see a God who is a bit short on love and long on punishments that often out weights the "sin." However, I have no objection to others using that saying and believing it if it is a help to them. After all, we need all the love we can get!

well said as always CG, but their ae many unanswered questions in many religions, christianity might not be the best in terms of convenience or all encompassing, but that is because that is exactly how God made it.

God's will for mankind is written in the bible. God is love. You don't allow the person you love to act as they please without correcting them.

God has rules that he put in place to protect mankind from itself. There have been many rulers and kings but non of them can bring about complete peace and love, they all fail in many ways.

man's nature is naturally rebellious, he sees things one way, when God knows better, and follows his way but in the end it always gets worse.

Man has created many rules but look at the state of the world.

No man alive can keep the 10 commandments.

why do you think that is?

why do we have fellings in us that lead us to break the 10 commandments?

I know you are a buddhist, but I am sure there are things tha buddhism can't explain - instead it seems to say jus go with the flow and work on yourself, and if everyone works on themselves, things will get better.

well said as always CG, but their ae many unanswered questions in many religions, christianity might not be the best in terms of convenience or all encompassing, but that is because that is exactly how God made it.
What unanswered questions?

God's will for mankind is written in the bible. God is love. You don't allow the person you love to act as they please without correcting them.
Correct them yes, but to punish then to the third generation is a bit much!

God has rules that he put in place to protect mankind from itself. There have been many rulers and kings but non of them can bring about complete peace and love, they all fail in many ways.
And so it could be said for God's rules!

man's nature is naturally rebellious, he sees things one way, when God knows better, and follows his way but in the end it always gets worse.
Things always get worse. That is the nature of "things." It seems to hold true for Heavenly things too. God created a heaven, but that failed - Satan spoiled it. God created an earth, that failed to. He flooded the world to end sin, but that failed too. God will create a new heaven and a new earth - lets hope that works! But it is the nature of all things to pass away.

Man has created many rules but look at the state of the world.
That is true.

No man alive can keep the 10 commandments.
why do you think that is?
First of all, who says one can't? Perhaps they can't but they must try.
Secondly, they speak of the ideal, an ideal can never be lived up to - that is why they are ideals

why do we have fellings in us that lead us to break the 10 commandments?
We have a human nature that cant live up to high ideals as expressed in the Ten Commandments. It is not because we are really evil, we are just human.

I know you are a buddhist, but I am sure there are things tha buddhism can't explain - instead it seems to say jus go with the flow and work on yourself, and if everyone works on themselves, things will get better.
Well, Buddhist don't have a deep curiosity about everything on the "outside." (I guess I am the exception! ) Ask a Buddhist how the earth was created and he will direct you to a science book because that is not important to his religion. Who put the stars in place, who created the animals, are not that important to him. It is not important to him that everything be explained.

Buddhism is an introspective religion. We look inwards to open up the Buddha nature - that is where the focus lies. Everything else is a distraction. It is an exploration that transcends words or explanations. In fact words and explanations can become a hindrance. We don't spend a lot of time on asking the questions that are so important to the Christian. (By the way, that is not a put-down. It is just the way it is.) We see the Christian as a person that looks outside for answers - even if the Christ did say that the Kingdom was within.

I believe that love is the greatest power of all, for God is love and love never fails!

I also believe that much of what is in the Bible will never be understood until it is explained by God Himself when we meet Him face to face. He has said as much in His word!

Children are innocent and we would have an inborn great love for them, seeing that we help to bring them into this world.

I believe that many times when the love between a man and a woman breaks down and dies, it is because of the lack of understanding of one sex by the other. It is very difficult (or perhaps impossible) for a man and a woman to really understand each other. That is why we sometimes have situations where a man and a woman would be truly and seriously in love with each other, but yet can't live peacefully together, something that is very puzzling!

This failure of the sexes to understand each other is probably the main cause of all these divorces and
marriage breakups.

I think there is another word we should explore, respect. I feel this is rarer than love these days. It is more encompassing than love. To tell you the truth, I don't find myself loving everybody. However, I do respect their right to "be" and their right not to be encumbered or harassed, not to mention the right not to be physically attacked.

When I was younger I went to boarding school in England. We learned the usual things, Math, English, etc. But there was another class that was mandatory and it lasted the four years I was there. This class was called Etiquette - good manners. Our teacher was fond of saying, "good manners is the art of making the other person feel comfortable." She would say, over and over, "It is only respectful to do this, or that." Love was never mentioned, respect for other people's feelings and comfort was - often.

Of course love is important but so is respect. I respect my family, with all its faults. My respect for my wife would not allow me to "cheat." I would never dream of raising my hand to her!!! My respect for the environment would not allow me to throw a beer can on the public highways - for goodness sake! My respect for other road users lives would not allow me to be drinking behind the wheel in the first place!

Maybe it is time for our schools to teach Etiquette (which is more than knowing how to use a knife and fork!) Etiquette, combined with the teachings of the Church would make a potent change in our society.

Love may come from God but respect is a wonderful man-made thing.

Nice topic.
Will add my experience with love and my wife.
I told my wife when we got married. I did not marry you to stop your dreams or happiness I married you to share them. All I ask is that you not lie to me ever about something that is between you and me. My wife is free no restriction and I mean none. I married her and set her free to my knowledge she has not lied to me yet.
Yes even if she wants to have sex with another person. That person has only 1 worry with me, They better make sure she is happy or I will be pissed.

I am still in love with my wife.

well said as always CG, but their ae many unanswered questions in many religions, christianity might not be the best in terms of convenience or all encompassing, but that is because that is exactly how God made it.

God's will for mankind is written in the bible. God is love. You don't allow the person you love to act as they please without correcting them.

God has rules that he put in place to protect mankind from itself. There have been many rulers and kings but non of them can bring about complete peace and love, they all fail in many ways.
rules that you feel you have a right to pick and choose which to follo0w and which need not to be followed. But others may not have the same right to pick and choose only you????
man's nature is naturally rebellious, he sees things one way, when God knows better, and follows his way but in the end it always gets worse.

Man has created many rules but look at the state of the world.

No man alive can keep the 10 commandments.

why do you think that is?

why do we have fellings in us that lead us to break the 10 commandments?

I know you are a buddhist, but I am sure there are things tha buddhism can't explain - instead it seems to say jus go with the flow and work on yourself, and if everyone works on themselves, things will get better.

What unanswered questions?


Correct them yes, but to punish then to the third generation is a bit much!


And so it could be said for God's rules!


Things always get worse. That is the nature of "things." It seems to hold true for Heavenly things too. God created a heaven, but that failed - Satan spoiled it. God created an earth, that failed to. He flooded the world to end sin, but that failed too. God will create a new heaven and a new earth - lets hope that works! But it is the nature of all things to pass away.
With this said I have to ask is the Creator all powerful or is the Creator powerless? After all sin was created by the Creator.
I say it all serves the perpouse of the Creator and we just don't understand.
the Creator knows man only hope to know.

That is true.


First of all, who says one can't? Perhaps they can't but they must try.
Secondly, they speak of the ideal, an ideal can never be lived up to - that is why they are ideals


We have a human nature that cant live up to high ideals as expressed in the Ten Commandments. It is not because we are really evil, we are just human.


Well, Buddhist don't have a deep curiosity about everything on the "outside." (I guess I am the exception! ) Ask a Buddhist how the earth was created and he will direct you to a science book because that is not important to his religion. Who put the stars in place, who created the animals, are not that important to him. It is not important to him that everything be explained.

Buddhism is an introspective religion. We look inwards to open up the Buddha nature - that is where the focus lies. Everything else is a distraction. It is an exploration that transcends words or explanations. In fact words and explanations can become a hindrance. We don't spend a lot of time on asking the questions that are so important to the Christian. (By the way, that is not a put-down. It is just the way it is.) We see the Christian as a person that looks outside for answers - even if the Christ did say that the Kingdom was within.


Hi hope all of you read the last 11 words.

I think there is another word we should explore, respect. I feel this is rarer than love these days. It is more encompassing than love. To tell you the truth, I don't find myself loving everybody. However, I do respect their right to "be" and their right not to be encumbered or harassed, not to mention the right not to be physically attacked.

When I was younger I went to boarding school in England. We learned the usual things, Math, English, etc. But there was another class that was mandatory and it lasted the four years I was there. This class was called Etiquette - good manners. Our teacher was fond of saying, "good manners is the art of making the other person feel comfortable." She would say, over and over, "It is only respectful to do this, or that." Love was never mentioned, respect for other people's feelings and comfort was - often.

As in treat other as you would want to be treated.

Of course love is important but so is respect. I respect my family, with all its faults. My respect for my wife would not allow me to "cheat." I would never dream of raising my hand to her!!! My respect for the environment would not allow me to throw a beer can on the public highways - for goodness sake! My respect for other road users lives would not allow me to be drinking behind the wheel in the first place!

Maybe it is time for our schools to teach Etiquette (which is more than knowing how to use a knife and fork!) Etiquette, combined with the teachings of the Church would make a potent change in our society.

Love may come from God but respect is a wonderful man-made thing.

Respect comes from the Creator as well

...Respect comes from the Creator as well

Perhaps in a broad sense it might. But in reality, it is a skill that must be learnt.

respect is included in love, but unfortunately not practiced as much as it should - you would't hurt someone you love, out of respect for them.

Put another way, you can respect without love but you cannot love without respect.

and God did not create sin, sin came into the world by disobedience,

Romans 5
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

but you must believe in creation by God first to believe that:

Mark 10:6
But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
(Jesus' answering the Pharisees by quoting from Genesis 1:27 ...)

Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

respect is included in love, but unfortunately not practiced as much as it should - you would't hurt someone you love, out of respect for them.

Put another way, you can respect without love but you cannot love without respect.

and God did not create sin, sin came into the world by disobedience,
Where did the world of disobdience come from????

Genesis 1
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.



Romans 5
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

but you must believe in creation by God first to believe that:

Mark 10:6
But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
(Jesus' answering the Pharisees by quoting from Genesis 1:27 ...)


Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

So true it does not say The Creator created 1 male and 1 female. if the Bible said this then your interpratation would be correct but it does not.

respect is included in love, but unfortunately not practiced as much as it should - you would't hurt someone you love, out of respect for them.

Put another way, you can respect without love but you cannot love without respect.

and God did not create sin, sin came into the world by disobedience,
Where did the world of disobdience come from????

Genesis 1
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
You can't make stuff up and put it in there.


Romans 5
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

but you must believe in creation by God first to believe that:

Mark 10:6
But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
(Jesus' answering the Pharisees by quoting from Genesis 1:27 ...)


Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

So true it does not say The Creator created 1 male and 1 female. if the Bible said this then your interpratation would be correct but it does not.

Where did the world of disobdience come from????

I never said world of disobedience, I said sin came into the world *by* disobedience. Sin was never created. Man/Woman was not created
already sinful.

---

So true it does not say The Creator created 1 male and 1 female. if the Bible said this then your interpratation would be correct but it does not.

what are you talking about here? We aren't discussing same sex marriage on this thread Vicky.