As I read this, it really helped me explore how the definition of love varies so vastly in the world. Many people’s view on love is distorted by their experiences, environment, and society. All of these factors shape how they they feel about and view love. Each character in this short story had a different opinion about what truly loving someone was because of their own circumstances and background. I found it interesting how Terri truly believed that the man who threatened and abused her loved her. She said, “Sure, it’s abnormal in most people’s eyes. But he was willing to die for it. He did die for it.” I understand that he obviously felt strong emotions toward her for him to bring himself to that point for her, but could we really say that it was love? Naturally, we think that when you love someone, you would not mistreat them this way.
Is there one ultimate truth to love? How can it be defined? When I think about love, I think about how God defined perfect love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude, 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 hopes, always trusts, always preserves.” But honestly, if love had to fulfill all of these things in order to be defined as love, then we would not be able to say that anyone loved anyone. The only one who is capable of loving in this perfect way is God. However, I believe that He described how we should strive to love others. I believe love is the most powerful emotion.
I felt the same way about each character having their own opinion and view of love, which I believe reflects the same view as life. Everybody has their own view of love.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really interesting how you brought up Love in the Bible and how it is near impossible for someone to completely live out that Bible defined Love. I agree with that statement completely.
I like how you said "how the definition of love varies so vastly in the world. Many people’s view on love is distorted by their experiences, environment, and society" That is so true. For another class I was reading about how God made relationship before the Fall, and now love/relationships are completely different.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that so many people views of love are completely distorted. Its sad to think they will lower their standards of love based on what they have experienced.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you're saying, but it's been pointed out to me that 1 Corinthians 13 was written more with the bride of Christ in mind and the church, not so much the relational interaction between a man and a woman. I think you hit it on the head in that we should strive for this image of perfection placed before us by God. :]
ReplyDeleteI agree that the enviornment does distort our view on love. Even though love is such a intanglible view to grasp, it would be easier to understand if we based it off an unchanging source which is God. So I like how you incorporated biblical insight to what love is.
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