How is it different from, say, the non-Christian concept?
2007-09-12 12:13:47 · 37 answers · asked by Linz ♥ VT 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No I cannot because I'm not a Christian. I will say this though: the difference is that I don't use simperingly sanctimonius methods like saying "I'll pray for you" when I really mean, "You're pathetic". I think honesty is a big part of love & respect, I certainly wouldn't waste valuable energy trying to "love" someone who has shown themself unworthy of it!
2007-09-12 12:20:59 · answer #1 · answered by shadowgirl777 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
While I am no priest, I am a practicing Catholic, and I was confirmed earlier this year. While non-Christian sense of love is more a lust 'I want to have be with you' or 'I want to have sex with you' kinda thing, Christian concept of love is different. It is a genuine caring, not just for a boyfriend or girlfriend, but for everyone and everything. It is the kind of love that you would die for someone you don't know because of, just as Christ died for us. It's the kind of thing that makes you want to help someone because you want to, not just because it is the right thing to do. This is not the best description, but I hope it gives you an idea of what it is like.
2007-09-12 12:28:49 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas and Paula O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really sure how it's different. Most of my Christian training on it comes from the Greek concept of different types of love: Eros, Phillia, and Agape (spelling may be off).
Edit:
Just realized I really ought to elaborate. There really isn't that much difference except that Christianity limits sexual love to a straight monogamous relationship where as depending on the culture same sex platonic and non platonic relationships are allowed as well as polygamous.
As far a unconditional, lasting etc... they're both pretty much the same,just that Christians would be surprised at love's depths in the secular world.
2007-09-12 12:19:30 · answer #3 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Essentially, Christian love is summed up in the word "committment." Non-Christian, cultural definitions are usually just emotional. You hear people say "I'm so in love," or "I don't know if I love her any more." Christians know that feelings come and go, and when they are dry it's time to rekindle the flame, but being committed is what real love is all about. Would you feel loved if the first time you goofed up or someone got tired of your company they dropped you like a hot potatoe? That's not love, that's selfishness. God's love was shown to us in that while we were still sinning against Him, Christ went to the cross for us. You might try to save someone that's your buddy but would you take a bullet for someone you hates you and is about to nail you to a cross? He did that, and we give up on love with anyone that we just don't "feel" like loving anymore. That's the world. Which would you rather have?
2007-09-12 12:47:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, there is no difference, love is not a "Christian" concept.
Or a non-Christian concept.
2007-09-12 12:23:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Christian concept of love is demonstrated in Christ. He loved everyone, even those who hated and mocked him. That is what Christians are to follow. Jesus said "love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Naturally that's easier said than done; not everyone can be so forgiving and caring, esp. with people who don't like us, but hey, we are only human (no excuse, I know), we sin, make mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. Most Christians continue to strive to follow Jesus' example of love.
Many non-Christians seem to confuse love with sex; actually some Christians probably do also. But overall, the majority demonstrate a love for their fellow man/woman too.
2007-09-12 12:45:27 · answer #6 · answered by kaz716 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The true Christian concept of love (according to Jesus Christ) is love your neighbor as yourself and that all are equal in the eyes of God. Unfortunately, I find that this translates into "Love only those who agree with you or believe in what you believe," for many Christians.
2007-09-12 12:18:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Living with Christian thought and actions as suggested in bible readings.
The difference is living with loving thoughts and actions felt from within ones being.
2007-09-12 12:21:56 · answer #8 · answered by plyjanney 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All natural love is tinged with self interest.
One great evangelist of the last century named Charles Finney described the divine love by the term "disinterested benevolence". What he was saying is that the love of God is a love that transcends self interest, but demonstrates a desire for the well being of the object of one's love, even when there is no reciprocity on the part of the one being loved.
Paul expressed it this way:
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!"
Romans 5:6-10
John says this:
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
I John 4:7-11
2007-09-12 12:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
the Christian concept of love is to love God from all your heart all your energy ...
and love others as you love your self, and your salvation.
some time hate what it prevent you from loveing God and your brothers, or sisters .
2007-09-12 12:35:01 · answer #10 · answered by Mosa A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋