One of the most misused words in the English language today is the word "love". In most songs which we hear today, "love" means "sex". But that is not at all what love means in the basic passages on love in the New Testament.
In the original language of the New Testament (Greek), there are four different words for "love". One means sexual love or the sexual drive of the body. This attraction also exists in animals. It is the lowest kind of love; it is completely selfish.
The second kind of love is the love of friendship. In this kind of love we like people because we feel good with them. They are good friends and pleasant company. This love gives us something, so it is a bit selfish. The third kind of love exists between parents and children. It comes closer to real love because it is usually unselfish.
The fourth kind is selfless love, called "agape" in Greek. This is the ideal love which Jesus talks about. This is the highest type of love, the love God has for us. This is the love that is described so well by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13. Read it.
We can tell if we have this kind of love for another person if our first wish is not to get something from the other person but to give something to him or her. We are never happier than when we can do something for that person. This is the kind of love that can change our life because it is the only thing that can pull us out of our selfishness. This kind of love wants to give without any thought of repayment. It is never happier than when it is giving.
If you ever met a person about whom you felt such a selfless love, then you have not really loved yet. Then you do not know what true love is. And if you have never really loved, it is hard for you to understand some of Jesus'.
If you are not sure whether you have ever felt true love or not, then you can be sure you have not. When you have found it, you will really know. There will be no doubt. Kept looking.
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