What is love?

Someone asked me: How do I know I am in love? To answer this question, we must consider first: what is love? In Hebrew Ahava (אהבה) as well as in Greek Agapee (ἀγάπη) or Arabic (حب) or in any language, love, according to the context where is often used, implies action. True love is shown in actions. For example, in showing mutual respect. Verbal and physical violence must not be tolerated regardless of how much you love or care for the other person. Obviously, there is not love in domestic violence neither in verbal insults or public humiliation.

Every religion presents the concept of love having its source the Almighty's love for humanity. GOD himself is the source and in essence a transcendental clean light and pure love. Our finite minds experience only a very small emotion of what is love, just as we only see part of light.

Religious traditions portray love by the actions of their leaders or founders. Jesus' love for his disciples is central in the Gospels. A love that led him to die, historically, to protect them from suffering death instead. Mohammed’s love for his followers led him to give up his own life style. Moshe's love for Israel led him to the point of standing between the judgement of the Almighty and Israel.

The Jewish Hellenistic poem of love I quoted earlier, 1 Cor. 13, is considered by both Jews and Christian one of the most beautiful Jewish songs to love. It can be found in some books of anthology of Jewish literature. Here is my translation or paraphrase again:

Greco-Hebrew Love Poem (1 Cor. 12:31-1313)

Strive for the best. However, I will show you a more excellent way of life, the Way of Love. If I could speak all human languages, and even of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong. If I could be like the prophets, and understand all mysteries and have all knowledge, and faith, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give to others from my wealth, but do not have love, it is meaningless.

Love is patient; love is kind; there is not arrogance or selfishness in love. Love is forgiving. Love rejoices in everything that is truth. It suffers all things, believes the good in everyone, hopes the best for all the Creation, and endures all things.

Love will never end. Faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest is the Way of love.

 

אך כעת עומדות שלש אלה

אמונה

תקוה

ואהבה

אבל הגדולה שבהן

הדרך אהבה

 

“How do I know I am in love?” was the question I was asked. My answer: Read this poem and listen this song again and evaluate if it describes your feelings. If it describes your relationship with the other person. Love is always pure, I could say, holy.