A scientist sat in his study room that was bright; the lighting was as powerful as those used in outdoor shooting for making movies. He could clearly observe many things in each specimen for his research, that was not possible with lesser intensity light. Suddenly, the electricity went off. His assistant brought a candlelight to the room. The frustrated scientist said the candlelight was just equal to darkness. Compared with a high-powered bulb, candlelight is almost darkness. This metaphor provides insight to understand the statement of Lord Jesus Christ: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
Human love could be exhausted and has certain limitations and it is a function of emotions at the direction of will. God’s love is inexhaustible and unconditional. When a person accepts, the Lord is overwhelmed with his love. It is a spiritual that surpasses and embraces the whole being. A disciple responds to God’s love like that of a powerful bulb, with divine inspiration. Compared with that love response, all other love in human relationships, including love towards parents, spouse, children, and even self seems to be hatred.
Honor parents: God commanded all to honor their parents, with the promise of a long life. (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3)
Love your spouse: Paul exhorts husband to love his wife and wife to respond in love, obedience, and respect. (Ephesians 5:25) Love of spouse seems to be greatest in the human realm. That too, seems to be hate in comparison of love of God and response to God.
Brotherly love: John’s admonishes to love fellow believers and even lay life for others. (I John 3:16) This also seems to be inadequate like hate.
Self-love: Love your neighbor as yourself, means God expects everyone to accept oneself as precious and treat others as equally precious. (Leviticus 19:18) God’s love is better than life. (Psalms 63:3)
Love for God is a spiritual expression, while human love is an emotional expression.
How do I love my Lord?