Connecting the dots . . .

(Edit:  I first thought of doing each of these parts as a different post but I changed my mind and will do them as a single post.  Those of you who few my blog view email updates will need to check back periodically as I don’t think edits will trigger a new email.)

Part 1:

For love to exist in the world there must be choice.

I cannot be forced to love.  The very thing that makes love what it is, is “choice”.
If my wife asked my why I love her and my response was, “I was programmed from birth to love you.  Our parents arranged for us to be together and every night when I went to bed I put on head phones and listened to the words, ‘Angela is the only one for you.  There is no other.  All other girls are evil.  No other girls could ever be with you . . . ‘  So you see, Angela, that’s why you are the only one for me.  That’s why I love you”, she would not be real impressed.
But if I said, “I’ve been all across this land, I’ve visited many countries, I’ve dated many women from many cultures, there were several that could have been special to me, and several that felt the same in return, but I choose you.  I want you!  You’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.  I will forsake all and choose to put you first.”  Now, that would probably get her attention.

Connecting the dots Part 1 – What makes love, “love”?  Love demands choice.  There is no love without choice.

Part 2 – What makes choice, “choice”?

What makes a choice a choice is consequences.  If there are no consequences it’s not really a choice.  Take the bigger piece of pie, I get longer enjoyment but I get more calories.  Take the drink in the back of the fridge and it may be a tad colder but it may also be a little older.  If there are no consequences there is no choice.  Consequences are what make a choice a choice.

So, no love without choice and no choice without consequences.

Part 3:  Consequences and Justice.

If there is Justice in the world how does the impact consequences?  Justice would dictate that the consequences are appropriate for the choice.  If someone steals a soda their consequences should not be to spend life in prison.  That would not be just.  The consequence does not fit the choice.  Likewise, if one is guilty of kidnapping and terrorizing a child their consequences should not be to be deprived of candy for a week.  That would not be just.  The consequence does not fit the choice.

So, no love in the world without choice.  No choice without consequences.  No justice unless the consequences are appropriate for the choice.

That’s the answer.  Does anybody know the question?