What's God's greatest virtue?

[spockrates]

Spokrates, you have turned your question into an infinate loop. Always refusing to accept an answer for the value and truth it offers, but instead to again question the response in a manner that brings you back to your original position.
This forum has become a mirror for you to continuously admire your own thoughts in print.

Last one out, turn off the ligth.

404:

I was not aware that I had a position. If I knew what the truth, would I have a need to ask what it is?

I suppose that, in response to your accusation that I only ask to admire myself, should ask the same question of you that Christ asked His accusers:

“If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”

(John 18:23)

 

[spockrates]

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect … .

(1 Peter 3:15)​

If anyone cares to answer my questions and to consider the answers of those who are thoughtful and kind enough to answer, please see this discussion thread:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=407812

I’m thinking that one is bearing more fruit than this one, but don’t want to leave anyone out. Thank you to everyone who tried to help me understand!

 

[James_S_Saint]

I think I understand what you are saying; at least, I’m pretty sure I apprehend your meaning. Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems to me that your meaning is this:

**love = desire to have something for oneself

hate = desire to not have something for oneself**

If this is your meaning, then it seems to me that

**love = selfishness

and

hate = selfishness**
.
.
I can only conclude that either (1) I completely misunderstand you, or (2) you are mistaken about the true nature of each emoter–and love is not self-seeking, or hate is not self-seeking, or neither are selfish. Please help me out, here, James.

Yes, (1) - You completely misunderstand me.

Love is NOT the desire to have. Love stems from that desire, but is not love until it becomes an issue of supporting the other thing, not yourself. Possessing the other thing is not the issue either although might be independently included.

When Love has been accepted without regard to any association with oneself, then it is “SelfLess Love” and altruistic.

The same can happen even easier with hate. When one is willing to die solely to destroy another, then he has accepted “SelfLess Hatred”.

 

[spockrates]

Yes, (1) - You completely misunderstand me.

Love is NOT the desire to have. Love stems from that desire, but is not love until it becomes an issue of supporting the other thing, not yourself. Possessing the other thing is not the issue either although might be independently included.

When Love has been accepted without regard to any association with oneself, then it is “SelfLess Love” and altruistic.

The same can happen even easier with hate. When one is willing to die solely to destroy another, then he has accepted “SelfLess Hatred”.

Yes, sorry for misunderstanding. I’d like to understand what you are saying and are hopeful that, once I do, I’ll see the wisdom in your words. Are you interested in continuing the conversation at this discussion thread?

Is Love really the greatest? (1 Corinthians 13:13)