Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Love for God and Love for Neighbor Go Together



Everything we do needs to be done with love. Elder Porphyrios says, “Love towards one’s brother cultivates love towards God.” 


The is the second commandment Christ gave us.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Mt 22:37-39) 
Jesus also told us,
For the person who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:20)
In all our actions with others we must act with love.


The Elder says,
Whatever we do, whether it is prayer or offering advice or pointing out some error, let us do it with love. Without love prayer is of no benefit, advice is hurtful and pointing out errors is harmful and destructive to the other person who senses whether we love him or not and reacts accordingly. Love, love, love! Love for our brother prepares us to love Christ more. 




Reference: Wounded By Love, pp 180 - 181

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