Do you ever wonder why people do mean things to other people? Or why there is so much hatred in the world? Or why so many people have to die just because one guy thinks he's better than everyone else? Do you think that maybe these people have never experienced love before? They spend all their time worshiping false idols, and don't know what it's like to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God or even with the other people around them. What is love anyway? As a child, the only concept that we have of what love really is, is the love our parents have for each other and for us. If our parents are fighting all the time, or if they beat us or even ignore us, how can we learn what love is? We can't, at least not the love that humans are supposed to have for each other. God has to show us, we have to be willing to learn what it means to love. He has to show us His love, the same love that sent His Son to die for us. The same love that is full of grace and forgiveness. The very love that lets us feel pain and despair just so that we'll know when we really are alright. And with that realization comes the ability to love someone else, and show then love the way God intended us to. If we all could do just that, there might not be so much hatred in the world.

thats right

Well, I was abused as a kid and have resulting love issues from it but I am not a crazy maniac lol. Parents are not the only source but they are important. I did have an extremely loving grandmother to help me along though.

It all comes down to too much pride and ignorance in the world.

If people could just set their pride aside, forget about differences for a moment, and just see people as people, for the sake of humanity, just for a moment, this world would be a better place, even if that moment didn't last forever.

you are so speaking my language, totage...rock on

The only thing that I would like to point out is that the ability to love is clearly a human ability that is entirely independent of any belief system or any particular religious doctrines or stories.

We have seen evidence for this throughout all of history. There were many Native American Indian tribes that were clearly peaceful and loving people. There are examples like this throughout all of history.

I might also add that there are countless examples of people who claim a belief in specific religious doctrines yet they have broken homes and broken families.

So while I’m an advocate of love I see no reason to attribute the ability to love to any particular religion, belief, or faith. In fact, to do so would imply that people who do not adhere to a particular belief are incapable of love. Such an accusation is already an unloving attitude.

Ok...I totally hear what you're saying...and I agree. My purpose in writing this, was certainly not to say "this is absolute, and what I believe is the only way"...although, in re-reading it, I can see how I might come across that way...my purpose was just to get some ideas out of my head so I don't drive myself crazy thinking too much...I don't know that what i believe is the only way, I've been taught that, but I honestly am not sure...and I am definitely not about to hate on others for believing something different than me. I sincerely apologize if I did come across that way.

No problem.

I fully understand where you are coming from and it’s cool.

I just wanted to point out the potential for how your words could be taken by another.

The fact you can see in hindsight how someone could misconstrue your intent is wonderful.

We do live in a very touchy world of perception. The very best of intentions can often come across to others as being potentially disrespectful or containing an undercurrent of accusation. I’m certain that this was not your intent. Your post certainly didn’t imply that over all.

Welcome to the forums!

And I agree that the world would be great if we all were full of love.