Love

Gathering: Now, as we gather, let’s pause to center ourselves, give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives, and to be both present and mindful as we enter a time of thought and discussion. Tonight let us think, listen and speak so that our speech will not only be worth listening to, it will move the hearts, minds, and souls of those listening.

Focus: Novels written, songs sung, movies scripted, wars fought, mountains climbed, deserts crossed, Super Bowl Commercials written about……… all in the name of Love.

Ancient Greek philosophers identified five forms of love: essentially, family love (Storge), friendly/brotherly love (Philia), romantic love (Eros), guest love (Xenia) and divine love (Agape). Modern authors have added varieties of love: unrequited love, empty love,  infatuated love, and self-love . In addition, many cultures have also distinguished , culturally unique words, definitions, or expressions of love in regards to a specified “moments” which we do not have in the English language.

Scientific research on emotion has increased significantly over the past two decades. Sternberg’s triangular theory of love suggests “intimacy, passion and commitment” are core components of love. Love has additional religious or spiritual meaning. This diversity of uses and meanings combined with the complexity of the feelings involved makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, compared to other emotional states.

Despite the difficulty of understanding, Love is the topic of tonight’s discussion.

Sentences on the Subject: Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love. – Gandhi

He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes.-Buddha

All you need is love, love; Love is all you need. – Lennon & McCartney

 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – Paul (not McCartney)

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. You had me at “Hello”. Dorthy, in the movie Jerry McGuire Do you believe in love at first sight? Got any stories (yours or someone you know)

Probe 2. Sternberg’s triangular theory of love suggests “intimacy, passion and commitment” are core components of love. What do you believe are the key parts of a successful relationship with a spouse or a partner?

Probe 3. Each of the Abrahamic religions call its followers to love God and know that we are loved (Agape). How is a Love of God demonstrated in a way that is separate from Brotherly Love (Philia) and Stranger (Xenia)?

Probe 4. “Love All, Serve All” is the corporate motto of the Hard Rock Cafe. Can you think of any other corporate (or other) slogans that could also be a theological statement?

Probe 5. Consider the Sentences on the Subject. Do any of them resonate with you? Do you have another quote or saying about Love that you particularly like?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.