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, trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." -- Defined by first century Jewish intellectual "Saul of Tarsus."

Love is not based upon how other people treat you, it is entirely defined by how you treat and regard your fellow man. Some people agree with the above quote as long as they apply it to others, but when it comes to practicing it personally, it becomes less regarded or valued.

The "Wizard of Oz" didn't really define love correctly when he told the Tinman, "love is not based by how much you love, but by how much you are loved." Some of the most popular people have been the least loving... we can't use the love of others as a yardstick for how well we are succeeding at being lovable!

Whitney Houston defined love incorrectly when she sang, "the greatest love of all is learning to love yourself." It is not the love of one's self but the love we give out to others which is what counts. When our thoughts and actions are given to other people, the love for ourselves falls into place and doesn't become such a high priority.

Now reread the above definition of love. Don't expect other people to give you this type of love... but do your part by giving it away to those around you.

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