All good points, but the love I am specifically talking about (that I feel Jesus and the Apostles are talking about in the scriptures I listed), is specifically instructing the "Body of Christ", to love one another. I'm focusing more on the love that we like-minded believers should have toward one another, not the agape love we should have for all of mankind.
Is it hard for us like-minded believers to love one another? Does the lack of physical contact and our inability to see one another on a regular basis get in the way of our loving one another? Or should that even matter? Or maybe it's not a problem for us and we all have the love that Jesus commanded us to have for one another. Just asking.
Ray's bible study on "Love" (http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3719.0.html) covers the difference in agape and phileo love. It's an excellent lesson to review as well.
René
Hey Rene!
I love that you asked this!
I think its about as hard to love like minded believers as is loving anyone who says they love you.
Do they show love towards you? Do we show love towards one another?
How does that love begin?
Between like minded people, they share common beliefs, common ways of thinking, and common ways of just doing things.
I lack this with the majority. It's hard to foster these types of relationships from great distances and over the internet even over the phone.
I honestly believe no one can truly love me unless they have met me and me the same.
How can I show a great care and understanding of someones life if I don't know their life.
I have to know their ups and downs, achievements and failures.
Some of us have been given the opportunity to reach out to those in need. I think that's where it starts.
Can you name a best friend that you have and it didn't begin with them meeting your need or you theirs.
The testimony page of this forum seeks to reveal those in need to those that can possibly help.
I have no doubt that friendships have been grounded there.
I think the problem too is believing like mindedness.
I think if any one of us were in a room together long enough we would find a disagreement about something.
What judges the love we have for one another is how we handle those disagreements. Resolution shows great love and maturity and also builds respect and trust. Things common in a loving relationship!
Thank You Rene
Antaiwan