Day After Valentine's Day Reflection -

I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover, welcome to Faith Talk. Some of us have just celebrated Valentines Day in some way or another. Perhaps with gifts of chocolates and flowers, a dinner date and kind words. Or even a live show. But now that the chocolates and flowers have been given and received I would like to reflect on the often misunderstood  concept of love. 

 In 1 Corinthians the 13th chapter we find these profound words. 

13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

I  just began reading a new book All About Love: New Visions authored by  Bell Hooks,   and I would certainly recommend it to those looking to explore, define and unpack the concept of love. 

Here is some of what is being said about this book: 

The book  "All About Love: New Visions" written by Bell Hooks explores love's transformative power.  Hooks addresses the concept of love, emphasizing its importance and the flawed understanding of it within society, encouraging a rethinking of its true meaning .

Love as Action and Choice

Hooks redefines love as an action rather than a mere feeling, emphasizing the necessity of demonstrating love through actions  . She highlights that love is a choice made daily, requiring a blend of care, affection, recognition, respect, commitment, trust, and honest communication  . This perspective challenges the passive understanding of love, advocating for active engagement and conscious effort in fostering loving relationships.

### The Significance of a Shared Definition of Love

Hooks underscores the importance of a shared understanding of love to cultivate a more loving culture . She draws on psychiatrist M. Scott Peck's definition of love as "the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth," clarifying that "spiritual" refers to an inner sense of self beyond the physical  . This definition emphasizes love as an active choice and commitment to nurturing growth, distinguishing it from distorted versions rooted in power dynamics  .

### Love and Justice

Hooks connects love with justice, asserting that love cannot exist without upholding basic civil rights  . She critiques societal structures,  demonstrating how they undermine genuine expressions of love . By advocating for justice and challenging oppressive systems, Hooks links love to broader social and political transformation, suggesting that love in action necessitates a commitment to creating a more equitable world.

### Overcoming Barriers to Love

Hooks identifies barriers to true love, including an obsession with power and control, which leads to disconnection from one's self and others . She argues that surrendering power is essential for love to flourish, fostering trust and healing  . Additionally, Hooks addresses the impact of childhood experiences on one's understanding of love, emphasizing the need to break cycles of unhealthy love by teaching a new definition centered on spiritual growth and balanced relationships  .

As the title All About Love: New Visions indicates, we want to live in a culture where love can flourish. We yearn to end the lovelessness that is so pervasive in our society. This book tells us how to return to love. All About Love: New Visions provides radical new ways to think about the art of loving, offering a hopeful, joyous vision of love’s transformative power. It lets us know what we must do to be touched by love’s grace. 

I recommend this book for those looking to bring clarity to the definition and practice of love. 

We must also remember to be guided by the words of Jesus who instructed us to love  God, love your neighbor as yourself. 

I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover and you are listening to “Faith Talk.” These episodes are available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube and other podcast platforms. Please share with family and friends. Visit www.revjaystuartglover.com Where you can leave a review,  drop comments and reach me directly by email  God bless you  and in all things remember to be love. Amen