Love of Others

Nothing is more frigid than a Christian who is indifferent to the salvation of others. Indeed I wonder if such a person can be a true Christian. To become a disciple of Christ is to obey his law of love; and obedience ot the law brings joy beyond measure and description. Love means to want the best for others, sharing with them the joy of love. So the Christian feels compelled to speak to others about the law of love, and the joy of obeying this law. Of course, many people are shy about speaking to others; in their case actions motivated by love will be a most eloquent testimony. But those who are not shy will surely want to express their joy at every opportunity. There is no need to use fine words or elegant phrases; even the most uneducated people can convey joyful love by the spirit which accompanies their words. Even slaves have been known to convert their masters and mistresses by the sincerity of their speech.

-St. John Chrysostom

This quote reminds me of another quote by St. Francis of Assisi - "Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words."

It also reminds me of the end of a book I read today. In it we are reminded that as Christians we are fighting a war. But our enemy is not our enemy at all - it is those whom we want to convert. And sometimes we may have to oppose their actions - for their own good - but at all times we are required to love them.