The Saints’ Love for Their Neighbors

74. Listen now to what they say about love for our neighbor: ‘I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie, my conscience also bears me witness in the Holy Spirit: I have great distress and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were severed from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites’ (Rom. 9:1-3). Moses and the other saints speak in a similar manner.

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #74

Maximus the Confessor points to the profound love the saints have for their neighbors, quoting St. Paul’s willingness to be severed from Christ for the sake of his brethren. This sacrificial love mirrors the love of Christ, who gave Himself for all humanity.

Picture a shepherd willing to lay down his life for his flock, ensuring their safety and well-being. The saints embody this selfless love, prioritizing the salvation and welfare of others even at great personal cost.

This love is characterized by a deep empathy and compassion for the suffering of others. It goes beyond mere sympathy to a willingness to bear the burdens of others, even to the point of personal sacrifice. This profound love reflects the heart of Christ, who laid down His life for the salvation of all.

To cultivate this love, we must learn to see others through the eyes of Christ, valuing their souls above our own comfort and desires. By doing so, we become vessels of God’s love, bringing His light into the lives of those around us and fostering a deeper sense of community and connection.