Love

Love is the willingness to respond with forgiveness, acceptance, tolerance, understanding, compassion, and kindness according to my God/HP’s will—rather than ego, pride, criticism, or fear. It is spirituality in action.  

Before I understood love this way, my version of love was conditional. In other words, it was transactional. I was more loving when things went my way. When people agreed with me, respected me, or made my life easier, I was warm, loving, and generous. But the moment I felt threatened, disrespected, or inconvenienced, what could show up instead was judgment, defensiveness, sarcasm, or criticism.

Love is choosing to treat others with care and respect, regardless of who they are or how they behave. It is not based on approval or agreement. Love is a decision about how we respond to others.

Love does not mean allowing harmful behavior or abandoning healthy boundaries. It means responding without hatred, resentment, or the desire to punish. Love allows me to act firmly when necessary while still maintaining respect for others as human beings.

Over time, I began to see that love is not about emotional comfort—it is about spiritual alignment. My God/HP does not love selectively or with judgment. I’m loved whether I succeed or fail. Learning to practice that same kind of love has changed the way I respond to difficult people and challenging situations.

When I act lovingly—even imperfectly—something shifts inside me. The world feels less adversarial. Relationships become secure and stronger. My mind quiets. Love stops being something I chase emotionally and becomes something I live internally.

Love has to be my daily practice. I have to stay in that love conversation with myself every day. Love protects my peace and serenity more than my ego ever could.

A Simple Reflection

Ask yourself:

Is there someone in my life whom I struggle to treat with love and respect?

Ask a Question About Love

If you are practicing the virtues in Living a FAT LUCK Life and have a question about love, you are welcome to ask it here. You may leave just your first name and last initial. We respect everyone’s anonymity. All information and comments are kept private.

If you would prefer to ask a question privately, you are welcome to email me directly at gerry@livingfatluck.com.