People’s Hate and Christian Love

About Bishop St. Theophane the Recluse

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June 16 (29)

Rom. 1:7-12; Mt. 5:42-48

‘‘‘'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you’’ [Mt. 5:44].

There is hardly anyone in this world completely without love: people love their parents and relatives, love those who do them good, who protect them. This kind of love, however, is natural; it is born by itself in the heart, and that’s why the Lord does not give it much value. True Christian love, however, is tested by our attitude towards the enemies.

Our love for the neighbors should survive not only a trifle annoyance, but actual malice, persecution, hostility, intentional troubles and afflictions. We have to not only bless those who harm us, but do good to them and pray for them. Carefully check your attitude towards your enemies and see if you have got real Christian love without which there is no salvation.

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