Love is mentioned in the Bible 341 times: love thy God with all thy heart, love thy self, love thy neighbor and love one another are just some of the requirements of love. It’s the only thing that will heal human evil, according to M. Scott Peck, who wrote the book, Road Less Traveled and the only virtue that possesses the power to create peace on earth.
One of my favorite love stories was shared with me over thirty years ago by a Polynesian man who spoke at a fireside in my church. He was a tall handsome man with a kind demeanor and as he quietly spoke, a hush fell over the congregation.
He began by sharing a story about a man and woman who understood the true meaning of love. This couple had been blessed with five children and they devoted all their time and energy to their tightly knit family. The mother had a younger sister who had been married for six years, in what would seem to be a perfect marriage, but often brought tears of frustrations - for they were told they would never be able to have children of their own.
Out of divine love, the older sister and her husband made a decision that would change the younger couple's lives forever. They gave birth to a sixth child and then placed this precious gift into the empty arms of the younger sister.
He concluded his talk with these closing remarks. “I truly understand love.” He said. “For I was the child who was given away in a selfless act of deep and abiding love. Every day of my life has been blessed from the genuine sacrifices of true love. I also testify that love increases in value a hundred fold, but only when it's given away.” Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.
