Love (As Struggle)
- Michael Haldas
- Jun 7, 2018
- 2 min read
“Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he loves him. By his love he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more, he sees that which is potential in him, which is not yet actualized but yet ought to be actualized. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true.” (Viktor E. Frankl)
"Love is not just a point further along the scale from liking, it is something altogether different. Christ calls us to treat all people, including those who would make themselves our enemies, as a cherished child of God. It is to recognise the image of God within the other, however marred or disfigured it may appear. The true nature of reality is that we share a common humanity which means far more than simply being part of the same species." (Father Spyridon Baily)
“True love willingly bears privations, troubles and labors; endures offences, humiliations, defects, sins, and injustices, if they do not harm others; bears patiently and meekly with the baseness and malice of others, leaving judgment to the all-seeing God, the righteous Judge, and praying that He may teach those who are darkened by senseless passions.” (St. John of Krondstat)
“Independence partners with laziness to further impede our salvation, for the commands of the Lord are not easily fulfilled. What Christ asks – to love those who abuse or hate us, to “turn the other cheek” (Luke 6:29) – requires our deliberate, focused effort in situation after situation. Likewise, generosity with our material wealth for the relief of others may cost us the pleasures of comfort and self-indulgence Luke 6:24-25). To be an obedient disciple and servant of Christ requires us to dig deep and struggle hard (Luke 6:48). Otherwise, we are like the son who said, “Yes, sir,” but then did not go out into the field to labor (Mt 21:30).” (OCPM 10/4/2017)
“The greatest act of love is to take care of a sick person. If you take care of him with love and patience, he’s saved through you, and you’re saved through him.” (Elder Paisius of Sihla)