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Have a great love for those who contradict and fail to love you, for in this way love is begotten in a heart that has no love.
John Of The Cross
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Interpretation

What this quote means

True love includes the capacity to love those who do not reciprocate that love.

This quote emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, suggesting that one should nurture a genuine affection for those who oppose or do not reciprocate their feelings. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper understanding and a capacity to love in the absence of love, fostering compassion and empathy even for those who may not seem deserving of it.

Themes

LoveUnconditionalCompassionEmpathyForgiveness

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of compassion in relationships.

More from John Of The Cross

A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.
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Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing.
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In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened and instructed.
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Abide in peace, banish cares, take no account of all that happens, and you will serve God according to his good pleasure and rest in him.
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To reach satisfaction in all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire its possession in nothing,_x000D_ _x000D_ To come to the knowledge of all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire the knowledge of nothing._x000D_ _x000D_ To come to possess all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire the possession of nothing._x000D_ _x000D_ To arrive at being all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire to be nothing.
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Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.
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