TED Conversations

Sunny Qureshi

CEO, IQ Training & Consultancy

TED Translator

This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »

Can we get "Unconditional Love" from people not related? (other than siblings, parents or wife)

I was wondering why dont we get unconditional love from people not related. Siblings or parents are in fact spiritually connected while friends and acquaintances will love you for ECONOMICAL or Conditional reasons even in the most advanced nations, why is that?? Or Is it sometimes the opposite?

Related Talks:
Topics: Love for Humanity Unconditional Love
+4
Share:

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.

  • thumb

    Yawa Hansen-Quao 20+

    • +3
    TED Attendee
    Feb 28 2012: As humans, we are limited in our ability to love others--even those we're related to. To love unconditionally, must be supernaturally strengthened by connecting to the divine. We're able to love unconditionally once we're connected and fully surrounded to the God who so unconditionally loves us.
    • thumb

      Colleen Steen 500+

      • +4
      Feb 28 2012: Hi Yawa,
      We are only as limited as we think we are. As humans, we are multi dimentional, multi sensory beings, and can love unconditionally whether or not we embrace a belief in a particular god. If you believe that only those who embrace a god are unconditionally loving, it sounds like you limit yourself and others regarding who can truly experience unconditional love. You put conditions on unconditional love?
      • thumb

        Verble Gherulous 20+

        • +1
        Feb 28 2012: Actually, Colleen, what Yawa is expressing is that when we understand the unconditional love of God (as evidenced through Jesus Christ) our minds are opened to the incredible power of that love, and we then have a clear example of how to give fully of ourselves without expecting anything in return.

        This is not putting limits on unconditional love - it is just an understanding of our limitations as humans, and how by our humility we draw strength from a source greater than ourselves. Yes, humans can love unconditionally without beleiving in a God; however, the example of His sacrifice for us is indeed the supreme example of unconditional love - and those who come to unconditional love through that example are truly blessed and are able to be blessings to others.
        • thumb

          Colleen Steen 500+

          • +3
          Feb 28 2012: And I believe Verble, that our minds and hearts can be open to unconditional love whether or not we embrace a certain god or religious belief. I am open to the incredible power of unconditional love, I feel very clear about how to give fully of myself without expectations, and I do not embrace a particular god or religious belief.

          Are you saying that the unconditional love I experience is not as valuable as your unconditional love because of our religious beliefs, or lack of religious beliefs? In my perception Verble, these are the kinds of beliefs that seperate people, rather than bringing people together, so I don't agree with you on this one:>)
      • thumb

        Verble Gherulous 20+

        • +3
        Feb 28 2012: Hello Colleen, we are actually in more agreement than you may believe. There is no difference in unconditional love. Unconditional love it the greatest, the highest form of love that anybody can experience. There are no gradations. If love is not unconditional then it is simply another type of love.

        We are built to love. We are built to show love and to experience love. I am only humbly stating that the example demonstrated by Jesus Christ is the greatest example (or model, if you will). We choose whether to live by this example or not, and i would never be so presumptuous as to say that a person who does not accept this model is incapable of showing unconditional love. But I will always state that what happened on that tree on that mound of dirt two millenia ago IS the greatest example.

        But what Yawa so eloquently answered in her post was that by this acceptance, is is possible to draw directly from the source of unconditional love in order to fill ourselves up so much with love that we can then flow it out to others, thereby answering the original question in the Great Affirmative.
        • thumb

          Colleen Steen 500+

          • +1
          Feb 29 2012: I agree Verble, that there is no difference in unconditional love regardless of what we believe that source to be. I, for example, learned it from my mother. She was the one who opened the channels in my heart and mind to be able to give and recieve unconditional love. I agree that we are meant to love. I also believe that we are meant to accept (love) others without prejudice.

          Honestly Verble, I percieve the example of Jesus Christ sacrificing his life as similar to suicide bombers. They too, are sacrificing their lives for the people, for the glory of god, and for a better stop in heaven. Same thing the catholic church tried to teach me about the prophet Jesus for 12 years!!!

          I respect you and your belief that "what happened on that tree on the mound of dirt two millenia ago IS the greatest example" of whatever you believe it to be.

          My only point, is that a belief in Jesus Christ, god, or what happened millenia ago, is not the only belief or perspective that can guide us toward unconditional love. I believe my mother's life, lived with integrity, acceptance and unconditional love for all people was the greatest example...for me. And many people have their own "greatest examples" of how, why, when, where and with whom they connect with the source of unconditional love:>)

          When you, I, or anyone else believes that his/her connection to unconditional love is the one and only, then we seperate ourselves, thereby preventing filling ourselves up so much with love that we can flow with it. If we have cut off people because their belief is not our belief, we prevent the flow of unconditional love.

          I presume "the original question" you refer to is..."Can we get "Unconditional Love" from people not related?".
          Yes, I agree...we can get and recieve unconditional love from many sources when/if the heart and mind are open to that possibility:>)
      • thumb

        Yawa Hansen-Quao 20+

        • +1
        TED Attendee
        Feb 28 2012: Verble, thanks for sharing your perspectives, you and I are definitely on the same page!

Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.