On Wednesday 30th May, I attended the Parade at the Ronald Webster Park as part of the celebration of the 51st Anniversary of the Anguilla Revolution. Let me also use this opportunity to thank all the uniform bodies who so ably took part in the parade. Special mention, however, must be made of the exceptional and near perfect drill demonstrated by the Cadet Corp. It was a great performance and was well received by all present. I also noted, with an attentive ear, the general call by both Government and Opposition for us to show more love towards each other. We often hear the word love used in many circumstances of our daily lives. So what kind of love are they referring to? This week, the focus of my article is on love. I present the different types of love, a biblical perspective on love and words of wisdom on love from two late Servant Leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
It is said that there are four types of love namely: Eros, Philia, Storge and Agape. Eros love refers to romantic or sensual love. Philia love means brotherly love and friendship. Storge describes the love between family members. However, the highest of the four types of love is Agape love. Agape love is a “selfless, sacrificial and unconditional love.” Unconditional love, or agape love, will not be changed or determined by time or circumstances. One important aspect of Agape love is that it extends beyond emotions. It’s much more than a feeling or sentiment. Agape love is a choice and a decision we make to wish others well even to those persons who hate or betray us.
The Bible tells us that God is love and it commands us to love one another just as Christ loved us. The most popular chapter in the Bible on love is 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 which says that: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” The Bible here is referring to unconditional or Agape love. I know is it is very hard to love someone who hated, hurt or betrayed you. However, you are also commanded to “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Are we as a people mature enough to demonstrate the Agape love where we love each other unconditionally irrespective of personal differences, different political opinions and the wrong others did to us? It is said that true love has no reason and we have to love and wish the best for everyone. In some cases though, you have to love some people from a distance and at all times pray for them to be blessed.
The demonstration of unconditional love is clearly seen in the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Here are two men who were ridiculed, hated, despised and persecuted not only by the white ruling elite, but also by some of their own black people because they never compromised their convictions on the fight for justice and equality and freedom for their people. Their most powerful messages of all were about love. They could have easily become bitter seeking revenge, but they were also wise to the fact that doing good over evil was still the best option to defeat hate and oppressive regimes. The following are some of their best words of wisdom about love that are still relevant to this day:
“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.” (Dr. King.)
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”(Dr. King.)
“You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than through acts of retribution.” (Nelson Mandela.)
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” (Nelson Mandela.)
We are said to be a Christian society and as such the majority of the population should be exhibiting the principles of unconditional love as commanded by the Creator. Do we obey this command and love each other as we are instructed to? It is not for me to judge whether that is so or not. However, I can say, based on my observations, that when you disagree with the views of some whether it is political, social religious or otherwise, you will be ridiculed, despised and hated. Our loyalty should not be to mankind but to our Creator. You have the power to love others unconditionally, even your enemies or persons who have different opinions on issues to yours. It is choice for you to make or not to make.
