But I say to you, the Lord says, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who persecute you. Why did he command these things? So that he might free you from hatred, sadness, anger and grudges, and might grant you the greatest possession of all, perfect love, which is impossible to possess except by the one who loves all equally in imitation of God.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of loving one's enemies and the transformative power of love.
Maximus The Confessor urges individuals to love even those who oppose them, highlighting that such love liberates one from negative emotions like hatred and anger. By imitating God's unconditional love, one can attain a profound peace and joy that transcends earthly struggles.
In practice
During a speech on conflict resolution.
There is no shame in loving. If your septons say there is, your seven gods must be demons. In the isles we know better. Our gods gave us legs to run with, noses to smell with, hands to touch and feel. What mad cruel god would give a man eyes and tell him he must forever keep them shut, and never look at all the beauty in the world? Only a monster god, a demon of the darkness.
If thou dost love, proclaim it faithfully.
A nun of winter's sisterhood kisses not more religiously; the very ice of chastity is in them.
I learned the real meaning of love. Love is absolute loyalty. People fade, looks fade, but loyalty never fades. You can depend so much on certain people, you can set your watch by them. And that's love, even if it doesn't seem very exciting.
If I am perturbed by the reproach and misunderstanding that may follow action taken for the good of souls for whom I must give account; if I cannot commit the matter and go on in peace and in silence, remembering Gethsemane and the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Life and hope for the world are to be found only in the deeds of love.
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