By Ike Harris | CNA Board Member
Remember Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavy weight boxer of all time? I do. Those quick hands and feet.
Once upon a time he made this statement. He said to his audience and followers and fans, “I wish you would love everybody the way you show affection for me.”
If we are to be truly great – here at home, across the country and throughout the world – we need to love. I can identify six types of love:
- Eros: romantic love
- Philos: affectionate love
- Philautia: self love
- Storage: familiar love
- Pragma: enduring lovetake
- Agape: unconditional love
That latter – unconditional love – is the greatest. It was important 2,000 years ago and it’s important to achieve today. Look what was said in 1 Corinthians Chapter 13, New English Version:
What if I could speak all languages of humans and angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
What if I could prophecy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing unless I loved others.
What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing unless I loved others.
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud or rude.
Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep record of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.
Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful and trusting.
Love never fails.
For now there are faith, hope and love, but of these three the greatest is love.
If everyone loved one another with this kind of unconditional love, we would all be the greatest!
Isham “Ike” Harris has served on the Concordia Neighborhood Association Board of Directors for countless years. Husband for 43 years, father of three and grandfather of four, he is a retired postal carrier and a pastor for Upper Room Church.
Editor’s note: CNA respects the views and beliefs of all cultures and faiths. The views expressed by this writer do not necessarily reflect the views of CNA.