Mankind’s definition of Love:
And now I will show you my most excellent way.
If I speak in the language of men and of women but have not my understanding of love, I am only a repetitive instrument that is like a harsh clang. If I have the gift of prophecy (which surely I do) so I can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can change doctrines, but have not my definition of love, I am old school. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body in the flames (which I surely won’t), but have not my evidence of universal love, I gain nothing (for my ego or otherwise).
Love is impatient because it’s so urgent that people get the right idea, love is nice. It does not clamor after others’ successes, it does not brag except when explaining my absolute philosophy of the definition of love, it isn’t really proud per se since I’m right in finally defining it realistically. It isn’t rude or self-seeking except when I don’t condone the so-called biblical definition of love which is short-sighted, and most of the time it’s not easily angered except when others point out what they contend are flaws in my definition, and it doesn’t record the many wrongs others find in my philosophies. Love does not celebrate or really punish evil but rejoices in my clear definition of what I think love should be and therefore is. It always protects everyone’s sins, always trusts that everyone makes it to heaven one way or another, always hopes my ways are irrevocably true, and always keeps convincing more people of my truth.
Love can’t fail by this definition.
I Confessions 13:1-8a (NP-S Translation according to the emerging religion of old-age philosophy)
God, you’ve made it all so clear for the ones who have “ears to hear”. Please, Lord, bring more to the Truth of who you are and forgive us for being so self-righteous, so utterly wrong. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.