whom do you choose to love?

Question

besides those whom you love naturally (your relatives, your children, spouse etc)
whom do you choose to love and why?

I suppose I should have said "other than God"

also - no thumbs down from me....

Answer 1

Several years ago I was full of anger, cynical, judged everyone. There were in fact several people I hated strongly! I was in this major dispute with a neighbor from hell and really letting off steam about him to my mom and sister who came to visit. I felt so justified in my anger! Now in my mind, I was 100% right and he was to blame. Mom and Sandy had heard this all before. The next thing that happened was actually the beginning of my slow, but hard earned transformation of heart. As I stood there on the verge of a triple summersault into the anger red zone just thinking about this guy, a most peculiar thing happened. A lone bird flying high above, let go and snow capped my nose! Splat! The timing was so unbelievable, it was as if the Universe slapped me. It was now up to me to see the humor or rage on! I froze for a few seconds with a shocked, crosseyed crazy look on my face, only to burst out laughing at this sign from above. This allowed the girls to breakout and we laughed ourselves stupid. This little act of God, as my sister called it, was the beginning of my transformation of heart. A few days later, sitting ouside in the beautiful apple orchard, thinking of the bird, and how much time I had spent angry, I had what I call a 'Unity Experience' Too long to give details about it but it left me with the clear understanding that I knew nothing about love. ALL of what I called love, was conditional. What's in it for me? I saw all of humanity connected by the same energy source, as sunlight reaches all, so this energy field included EVERYTHING. No man is an island, I thought. All have the same roots. If I harm one man I harm all of humanity. Like attracts like. I was flooded with these thoughts, like, there are no neutral thoughts, you either care for or condemn others. This was easy to grasp at the time and I wept for all of humanity, I loved all of humanity as I never have before. I pictured every person as a small child, equally deserving of the same chance for Love, Trust, Acceptance. Perfect Love only extends itself, like sunlight, asking nothing in return. I have not been the same person since.
Peace

Answer 2

Ramjet, I went out and adopted a man and call him my brother. I actually told my husband that this person was so special and unique that I had to add him to my life.

This Easter, my husbands family was over. As was my new "brother" and his girlfriend.

We designed and constructed how we were going to be in this new friendship because we simply wanted to "keep" each other in.

Eventually, we actually turned our actions into such an authentic sibling flair that I have, for the first time ever, a beautiful brother that is my friend for life. (and hey, lets just do that again!)

It taught me so much about Love. What it is, and what it isn't. See, if we pattern ourselves on romance and whatnot, we hardly see relationships beyond that and their potential to add all aspects of comradarie and love to our lives. We become trained that way.

I untrained myself. More is possible. Loving people, is just an energy boost for me. I would say that pure appreciation describes it better.

I have to add, that this isn't just blanket across the board. If that's possible, I'm not there. So, I can't tell you that. I can say this though. Loving others gets easier with practice. Releasing them from owing you anything for it, is part of it. It rarely has to be stated. IT's just there, in the space between.

I was thinking this song this morning. From my past, I was going to ask a question about it, but hey it seems suitable here with you. Perhaps you can tell me, if this was a bible verse or just a song.

"This is my commandment that you love one another. That your joy may be full".

Answer 3

There are many forms of "love" as someone else on here has pointed out. I LOVE Valerie C.'s answer though. OK...unconditional love...I love my grandson, who is only 3, unconditionally. I love my cats and actually all animals unconditionally.Everyone else, including my family, have "conditions" on them, if I am honest. Only true innocence can be loved unconditionally.Adult humans with our conscious or unconscious motivational behavior are all subjected to become unloved from us at some point. My opinion and thoughts, anyway.

Answer 4

I don't know that I choose it. It sort of comes upon me by surprise. It's just about every kid that comes into my orbit, and most friends. The pull is greater when they're in trouble. But again, I don't seem to be in charge of this process, so I can't really tell you why.

Answer 5

Since I already assumed you meant other than God, I will admit that the easy ones to love get my attention first. Of course then my Father nudges me and points my heart towards one that not so easy to like, let alone love. Then I know I have to get to praying, and get to loving. I will know I am growing when I automatically gravitate to the unlovelies.

Answer 6

Religion and spirituality needs to mind their own business about whom people love!

Answer 7

I don't choose to love anyone... it just happens.

God, if I could choose who I loved, life would be so much easier. I wouldn't be stuck pining over my exgirlfriend, I'd move on. I'd find someone else, someone who liked me. I wouldn't be stuck being miserable because I can't control my heart.

Answer 8

I have some friends who are extremely special to me, 2 in particular who I know would do anything in the world possible to help me if I needed it. I love them dearly.

Answer 9

I don't choose to love anyone...
i love my friends and family because... we have a bond between each other.. we care about each other..
it's only natural to love someone who loves you..

Answer 10

Sometimes you do not choose, it just happens. The worst is when you cannot be free to love them openly...