You Ain't Got To Like Them Just Love Them

Is it a requirement to like someone first in order to love them? Can you love someone and not like them? Is it possible to love someone that thinks/acts in ways you don't agree with? Is loving someone you perceive as evil or wicked a realistic expectation?

Let's start off by acknowledging that there are different types of love. The highest form of love is "Agape" which is unconditional and boundless not restricted by time or space. It originates from the spiritual realm and highest version of oneself. It does not operate within the circumstances of the physical world. It is the highest frequency of energy identified as an emotion, the soul disposition, or state of mind. This is the type of love that the Creator has for humankind and all of creation. My favorite Ascended Master, Yeshua instructs us to have agape love for each other. This is one of the most important commandments He gave humankind found in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. He said love everyone, not just the ones you like, but is that even possible? 

Many people view "like" as a diluted version of love, not as intense. Like or fondness is a sentiment that emerges from the physical self or ego driven. All other types of love emerge from the same place: Storge, Eros, and Philia. Materialism is love for objects of the physical world. Jack Zavada, May 2020, gives an in-depth description on "The 4 types of Love in the Bible" at the Learn Religions website. With the exception of agape, they are conditional and based on temporary circumstances. They are contingent on someone or something having characteristics that are appealing to you. Some type of criteria must be met prior to experiencing those types of love. If the person or thing does not have those characteristics or meet a specific criteria, there will be no liking or loving.

Storge

"I love you because you because you are my child and I am raising you."

Eros

"I fell in love and married you because you are kind, considerate, strong, and a great provider."

Philia

"I love you because you are my best friend and have stood by me for years."

Liking someone can lead to eros or philia.

"I like you because you have a great sense of humor and we have the same interests."

Materialism

"I love this house because it is so big!"

A person can feel more than one type of love for another person. For example, a romantic couple can express eros, philia, and agape loves for each other, all at the same time. Liking someone is usually a prerequisite of eros and philia. There must be something tangible to make a connection. However, agape is in a completely different category.

The Universal Law of Oneness

This is the first universal law and the foundation of all other universal laws. It basically says that all people and things are connected. All of creation emerges from a common source which forms the root. It is comparable to flowers growing from the same bush or branches coming off the same tree.  Agape love is based on this connection. It is eternal. Therefore, it is a product of the spirit, the true essence of a human being. It is not contingent on anything within this physical realm. With that being said, yes, it is possible to love everyone regardless of the circumstances. It may not be easy to accept, but you are connected to everybody and everything no matter how despicable you perceive them as being. 

The ruthless criminal you heard about in the news.

The weirdo on the street that made you cringe. 

The classmate you hate from school. 

The obnoxious coworker who gets on your nerves. 

The supervisor who gives you a hard time. 

The neighbor who you cannot get along with.

The politician you despise.

The ethnic group you view as so different and foreign.

Anyone you ever felt indifference towards.

The earth, the wildlife, the insects, the trees, the ocean, the solar system, the stars, the planets...

Everything...All Is One.

Loving someone unconditionally is not synonymous with agreeing with them, liking them, tolerating abuse, or not defending yourself from harm. Don't get it twisted! 

Remember, you must love yourself first.

 Love raises our vibrations and manifests good karma!

We all are manifestations of the Creator having a different experience. It is love that connects us and is the only way we can ascend to the next level.

"To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven."  Karen Sunde

"The spiritual meaning of love is measured by what it can do. Love is meant to heal. Love is meant to renew. Love is meant to bring us closer to God."  Deepak Chopra, The Path Of Love

Love will light the way.

Go to the Spirit Affinity blog Analysis of Love for a comprehensive breakdown.