The lecture by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about love as a practical spiritual principle, showing that love is not mere words but actions manifested in giving and self-sacrifice for others, based on the example of God who is “Love” and grants humans the gifts and capacity to give.

Source and Nature of Love:
His Holiness explains that love originates first from God, because God loved us before we existed, and His love is the absolute source of all love. True love begins as an emotion in the heart that turns into a will and action for others.

Practical Manifestations of Love:
Love appears in continuous giving without question, like the sun that rises for all, and like trees and flowers that give their fruit and scent to everyone without discrimination. The highest human example of giving is the mother who sacrifices herself for her child.

Love Versus Lust:
His Holiness distinguishes between love and lust: love always wants to give, while lust always wants to take. Love gives from need and self, whereas lust seeks self-interest and taking only.

Love in Relationships:
True love is sincere in affection and fidelity, and it is tested in hardships where a true friend does not abandon you. Also, reproach and sincere warning at the right time can be expressions of love.

Giving as Duty and Stewardship:
He explains that all we possess is stewardship from God, therefore we should give generously and with the right intention — recognizing that what we give belongs to God and returning thanks to Him. He urges giving from one’s need rather than leftovers, and refers to historical practices like tithes and firstfruits as expressions of giving.

Conclusion and Practical Call:
Pope Shenouda calls us to make God the sole owner of our hearts and to offer true love with our hearts, time, and senses; true love is giving the heart and intention before money, and living a love that shows itself in daily work and service.

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