Little Hawk, you too have made me think! I agree that Love encompasses all humankind and even all the rest of life. I wonder if that is what is meant by the Greek word 'agape' meaning a selfless and sexless love on a pure level. I also agree that it's very hard to achieve, but for me it isn't necessarily fear that gets in the way, it's selfishness. To truly love and care for all, you have to suppress self-interest. I've known and stayed with many nuns in convents of both Protestant and RC persuasion. These women (Sisters to all) seemed to be working towards a state of selfless Love for God, humans and all living things. To do this, they were trying to remove all thoughts of self, and all physical dependence on possessions and property. Very hard! (Sorry about the thread drift, I do this too often, and a Mudelf will one day chase me off permanently!)