John 13: 31-35

Love Has High Standards: The film ‘Love Story' had a classic line: ‘Love is never having to say you're sorry.' As Christians, though, we are aware of our weak nature and tendency to sin. We need to ask pardon - frequently. More often than not, the souls we hurt are those closest to us: our spouse, a child, a parent or in-law. Is my love great enough to overlook the weaknesses of those who hurt me and turn my wounded ego to compassion and pardon? To err is human, but to forgive is divine.

Love Is from the Heart: Christ told his disciples, ‘Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me' (Matthew 25:40). This applies as well to harboring grudges in our hearts. Love goes beyond kind words and actions to the very heart of man: to our thoughts. Although it may initially cause distress to our will to think well of those who have hurt us, it is truly therapeutic! Thinking well of others renews our faith in God's mercy. If we are merciful, how much more we can expect Our Lord to be patient and merciful with us!

Conversation with Christ: My Jesus, your life is a witness of love to me. You forgave your enemies and even prayed for them. My love is to mirror your love, but I realise I can love so much more than I have loved until now. Help me today to increase my love and let go of those remnants of egoism that hold me back from a Christ-like love.