“The Lord appeared to him from afar. I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3

What is true love?

St. John Paul II explains, “Love is not merely a feeling; it is an act of will that consists of preferring, in a constant manner, the good of others to the good of oneself.” Love is willing the good of the other.

There are four characteristics of God’s love that can be replicated in our lives and by which we can measure if it is “true love.” This God-kind of love is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. These aspects of love are most clear when we look to a crucifix where we see God’s Son loving us to the end. He freely chose to bear the weight of our sin. He totally gave all of Himself, even to the point of death. He faithfully committed to His promise and purpose for us. His death on the cross fruitfully gave birth to all who call upon Him.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and your loved ones with this free, total, faithful, and fruitful love that elevates the good of others over self for the glory of God.

In Christ,

Anthony Feola