The remedies for lack of love, as explained by His Holiness

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II


The remedies for lack of love, as explained by His Holiness, are:
1. Love against envy: St. John Chrysostom said, “The envious man is an enemy to himself before being an enemy to others.” Love is the effective remedy against envy, for love rejoices in the joy of others: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15)
2. Love does not boast, nor seek fame.
3. Love does not puff up: referring to human pride. Love builds, but pride destroys relationships: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
4. Love against selfishness and misconduct: Love expresses itself in respectful words and gentle phrases. “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).
5. Love does not seek its own, but covers sins. “For love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
6. Love against evil temper, gloating and provocation: Love is found in calmness and dealing positively with others. St. Jacob of Serugh said: “Love extinguishes the fire of anger just as water quenches the flames.”
7. Love does not think evil, but assumes good intentions and excuses others. Love also requires wisdom in conduct. “[Love] does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth”(1 Corinthians 13:6).