By KIMBER KAY
kimber@du2.byu.edu
Scriptures are cited by speakers in sacrament meeting, Devotionals and many a letter written by missionaries. But you don't expect to see them on love letters.
Surprisingly enough, the scriptures are peppered with references to not only loving your neighbor, but to embracing and kissing them as well.
You don't have to be a Biblical scholar to find these scriptures, although it helps. Searching the Topical Guide under the topics love, kiss or embrace turns up several ideas.
Some old standards from the distant days of scripture mastery are Matthew 22:39, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,' and 'This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,' John 15:12-13.
But everyone knows those. To impress others with your scriptural knowledge, a good place to start is 1 Thessalonians, 'Paul's masterpiece on love,' said Jonathan Gemmill, a senior in Near Eastern studies from Silver Spring, Md. Gemmil specializes in ancient languages such as Hebrew and Egyptian, and is an avid student of the Bible.
He suggests 1 Thessalonians 2:8 & 17, 3:12-13 and 4:9.
For those waiting for missionaries, Genesis 29:20 is perfect. 'And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.'
The Bible even covers such topics as why you should listen to your girlfriend, Psalms 116:1-2 '. . . because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.'
An oft-quoted scripture is II Corinthians 13:12, 'Greet one another with an holy kiss.' Gemmill explains that the Joseph Smith Translation said kiss really means salutaions, as in 'Hello, how are you?' 'Although there might be some who still want to kiss,' he adds.
Gemmill said Psalms are full of references of love, and 'you can go on forever,' when you start looking.
Not every love scripture has to do with romantic love. In fact, most deal with love in a charitable or neighborly way. Scriptures such as 'A friend loveth at all times,' Proverbs 17:17, are appropriate for your sweetheart or your hometeacher.
Gemmill recommended reading The Song of Solomon for fun, although we are not able to print many of his favorites in The Daily Universe. The Song of Solomon is almost entirely love poetry, and if you haven't read it, you are in for a surprise.
Gemmill's favorite scripture is Jeremiah 31:3, because it shows the Lord's unconditional love for his people. 'Especially because it is in the Book of Jeremiah where a lot of the scriptures describe the Lord's displeasure with his people,' he said.
Some scriptures are perfect for remembering that no matter if you have a sweetheart or not, the Lord loves everyone. Isaiah 49:15-16 is a poignant reminder of that when the Lord says, ' . . . yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. . . .'