There were two trees in the garden of Eden that represented two ways of life. They are in reality the only two ways of life that exist.

The tree of life represented the way of life God desires for man. This way of life means unconditional acceptance of God's definition of good and evil.

By contrast, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents the way of life of man's self-determination of good and evil. In making this self-determination, man might accept some of God's definition, but only partially, as he sees fit.

God's definition of good and evil gives God the highest priority in our life and does not harm our neighbor in any way.

The fruits of man's self-determination of good and evil are readily evident from the nearly 6000 years of human history.

With this background, consider how "love" should be defined. If we ask people what love means, we will soon see that there are varying opinions. Is love a feeling? Or is it empathy for other people with a clear defintion of what this empathy is supposed to be? Or does love have something to do with sexual attraction?

In practicing self-determination via the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, most people would say that love includes a certain amount of respect for interpersonal relationships, including tolerance. This definition can be quite problematic because it would justify almost any behaviour.

For example, does love include an extra-marital or pre-marital relationship if you love the other person?

Some people practicing self-determination via the tree of the knowledge of good and evil would be able to answer in the affirmative.

Those partaking of the tree of life and accepting God's definition would answer no.

The apostle John wrote: "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2-3).

Who defines love? Either God defines love or we do. It should be clear to us which definition is the one we have chosen to live by.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!