Love in Action

16. He who loves Me, says the Lord, will keep My commandments (cf. John 14:15, 23); and ‘this is My commandment, that you love one another’ (John 15:12). Thus he who does not love his neighbor fails to keep the commandment, and so cannot love the Lord.

St. Maximus the Confessor Four Hundred Centuries on Love: #16

To profess love for God is one thing, but to manifest it in one's actions, especially towards fellow humans, is the true testament of that love. St. Maximus, echoing the teachings of Christ, underscores that divine love isn't an isolated, abstract emotion; it's intrinsically linked to our deeds.

The measure of our love for God can often be gauged by our ability to love those around us. This isn't limited to mere words or feelings but is reflected in our genuine efforts to understand, care for, and uplift others. Every act of kindness, every gesture of understanding, and every moment of patience towards our neighbor becomes a living testament to our love for God.

However, this isn't always easy. Loving a neighbor, especially in challenging situations, requires immense strength. It demands setting aside our ego, biases, and past grievances. But, every time we choose love over animosity, understanding over prejudice, and forgiveness over vengeance, unity over division we reaffirm our commitment to God's commandment.

In our personal spiritual journey, this saying serves as both a beacon and a mirror. A beacon, for it illuminates the path of true devotion—one that's paved with acts of love towards others. A mirror, for it continually reflects back to us the state of our relationship with the Divine. Are we merely proclaiming our love for God, or are we living it out loud through our interactions with those around us?

As we meditate upon this wisdom, let's remind ourselves that in the symphony of creation, our love for God and our love for fellow beings aren't separate notes, but harmonious melodies that create a divine resonance.