Love is a big topic. Maybe more books have been written and more songs have been composed about love than anything else. But is everything people call love really love? If not, how can we discern what is real love or true love?
Independently of culture or belief, most likely people will agree that a mother – or a father – embracing their newborn baby represents an ultimate expression of true love. It’s well worth contemplating a bit about what this mother or father love for their baby actually displays. First of all, that love is in a way totally one-sided. Newborn babies don’t know how to love their parents. They only beg for everything from them. They cry for food. Without the necessary care, they won’t even survive. They can’t contribute to anything in meaningful way. Plainly and honestly, infants are nothing but a burden.
Yet, nobody is so deeply and unconditionally loved. A mother or a father would risk, yes even give, their lives to protect and save their newborn child’s life. Do we know about any greater love than that?
If we agree so far, we may be on track to say something about what true love is. True love loves simply because it loves. Not because it received anything in advance. Not even with the hope of receiving any benefit or reward in the future. It’s very unlikely that a mother or father, embracing and gazing at their newborn child, will do so while thinking about how much this child will benefit to their wellbeing in 15 or 30 years. All of that is far out of heart and mind. They love, just because they can’t stop the love that comes from inside them when they see their little treasure.
Conclusion: True love loves because it loves. Not with hope of a return. Not for a gain. Not with selfish expectations.