Understanding Love

So I love this girl. Not in a creepy way. I mean, she doesn't feel the same way back but that does not negate the truth of how I feel. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and scared by the fact that I thought I felt this strong. I do feel that strong. I see nothing wrong with it. People freak out about things when you say you love them though. See, I want what is best for her. I want to protect her. I want to be the best friend I can be for her. Yes, I would love to have it reciprocated and for us to have a life together.....but the fact that she does not feel the same in no way changes how I feel. It does not change that I want her to be happy. I'm not/I don't love her because I want her love back. I just love her. I can't really explain it.
I came to the realization that I think this is how God is with us a lot of times. He loves us and would like to have our love back. He'll do whatever He can to show us His love for us. He will not stop. Yet, He will not stop loving us just because we don't love and reciprocate. He just loves us. God is love and He can't help but love us. When we realize He loves us we have to make a choice of whether to love back or not. It's a choice on how we respond.