Adapted from Paragraphs on the Love of Neighbour
and The Big Book by St. George Preca
God is love, and the one who loves resembles the Lord God. But what should true love be like? And whom should we strive to imitate?
Undoubtedly, the greatest model of love is Jesus Christ himself, for he willingly chose to suffer and die to save his human brothers and sisters from eternal damnation. In doing so, he demonstrated love at its highest level, that of laying down one’s own life for the sake of others.
Anyone in need of your help, whether physically or spiritually, should be considered your neighbour. That is the neighbour you are called to love. Recognise in your neighbour, the person of Jesus Christ and treat them as if you were dealing with Jesus himself. Remember that the Lord God regards as done to himself whatever we do for our neighbour, and deals with us as we deal with our neighbour. In this way, when you call on him in your need, God will surely not turn his face away from you.
Love should be:
- Sincere – expressed through works of mercy.
- Selfless – given without expecting anything in return.
- Universal – open to all.
Thus, they truly love their neighbour who love every person without seeking personal gain and who help them, according to their abilities, through acts of mercy.
Let every opportunity to help and love your neighbour bring genuine joy to your heart, not so much for the reward you may receive from the Lord God, but for the spiritual honour of resembling the Lord God himself.
