I have realised how loosely I throw the word "love" around. I realise that the world has so many definitions for it, that it has lost its value for most. I realise that I buy into the cheapened versions almost daily. I realise my own inadequacy to grapple with "true love" as defined by the Bible. At this point in time I am most able to associate it with unconditional acceptance no matter how degraded someone is; because this is how I am experiencing Christ's love for me at this point in my journey with Him. I ask myself whether or not I do this, irrespective if the love is an eros love or a phileo type of love, towards different individuals. For if I do not then it means that Christ is not truly alive in me for my fruit does not indicate the Life. This also leads to an entire new set of questions such as: Is knowing someone a prerequisite to loving that person? Is "love at first sight" then possible? Is love truly only a choice or a prescribed prerequisite? If so, why is loving some easier than others? Is it possible to love as God desires us to, this side of heaven? I ask these questions in light of the fact that so few people truly know who I am and in turn I know so little about them. I know so little about the essence of you and I find myself wondering if I would still love you if I did. Which in itself indicates my inadequacy to love in a sinless way.

I realise that you do not know what wakes me up in the morning. You do not know what my values are aside from the traditional biblical ones. You do not have an inside perspective on my past hurts and how they have painted my future. You do not know how I interact with God, how I relate to Him. You do not know what pushes me over the edge and what annoys me. You do not know what my reactions are when I am tired, hungry, dirty and thirsty. You do not know my optimal working conditions. You do not know what my favourite activities are. You do not know what I enjoy doing on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You do not know what I read and think and listen to. You do not know what my career plans are. You do not know what my questions and uncertainties are. You do not know what my research topics are. You do not know what my dreams and hopes are. You do not know if I believe the same as you. You do not know if I do as you do. You do not know what I pray for. You do not know... We never really know any other.

And so to bring my thought full circle my question to you is: Would you still love me if you did? Would I still love you if I did?

John 3:16 states that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..." He in fact gave Himself.

Would I give myself for you therefore remains the only question as to the validity of my love for you.