Love your neighbour as yourself – commandment from Jesus

Love is such a powerful word.  Yet what does it mean?  The most universal meaning refers to a feeling – desire, gratitude, admiration, affection. Supposedly, we can’t control or chose our feelings and as such we can’t choose to love or not love someone. But yet we are commanded to love.  Even though I agree that in loving someone, feelings can arise, I don’t think we would have been commanded to “have affectionate feelings for your neighbour”.  In addition to a feeling, I think love is also a choice.  I think our commandment is to make a choice about how we engage with others and what attitude we maintain.  Whether it’s our neighbour or our romantic interest, love should also mean commitment, respect and kindness.