I listened again to the song "Do you love me?" from the play "Fiddler on the Roof."
It gave me pause to wonder: Which is better, love or commitment?
I think I'd rather someone be committed to my benefit rather than being in love with me.
Is there even a functional difference? If a person is committed, does love matter?
Man, this question straddles ethics and Christianity. I will try to answer, with both ethics and Christian verses.
Alright, here is the sauce:
According to the Bible and ethical concepts, both love and commitment are important in relationships, and they are interconnected rather than mutually exclusive. Let's explore some relevant verses and ethical principles to help answer your question.
Firstly, the Bible emphasizes the importance of love in relationships. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV), Paul describes love as patient, kind, and not easily angered. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. In Ephesians 5:25 (NIV), husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
However, commitment is also essential in relationships. In Proverbs 20:24 (NIV), it says that a man's steps are directed by the LORD, but he delights in firm plans. Committed relationships provide stability and security for individuals, allowing them to grow and develop together.
Moreover, love and commitment strengthen each other. In Song of Solomon 8:6 (NIV), it says that love is as strong as death, and its jealousy unyielding as the grave. Love can lead to a deep sense of commitment, while commitment fosters the growth of love.
Regarding your question about whether it's better for someone to be committed rather than being in love with you, both have their merits and challenges. Love can bring great joy but also pain, while commitment provides stability and security.
Therefore, it's not a question of which is better, but rather recognizing that both love and commitment are crucial elements in healthy relationships. If someone is committed to your benefit, it doesn't negate the importance of their love for you. In fact, commitment can deepen and strengthen that love over time.
TLDR: Both love and commitment are essential in relationships. Each support each other and provide stability, joy, and growth for individuals. Therefore, neither is better than the other – they work together to create strong, healthy relationships.