Love is the essence of spiritual life

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God asks for nothing greater from man than love. Love is the heart of all commandments, the power that covers everything. A person may perform many spiritual practices, but if they lack love, these become mere form without spirit.

From love to fear

He teaches that some begin their relationship with God out of love, but over time it turns into fear of punishment rather than love for God. Fear cannot build a deep spiritual life — only love can make the soul live joyfully in obedience and intimacy with God.

Living relationship with God

The first love was a warm and direct relationship — like Adam before the fall or David in his longing prayers. When love cools, prayer becomes routine, reading becomes study, and service becomes activity without divine presence.

Signs of losing first love

A person loses their first love when their relationship with God turns into duty, appearance, or pressure, when zeal fades and formalism replaces affection. God does not weigh the number of works but the love contained within them.

Signs of true love

One who truly loves God does not become angry or doubtful, but trusts simply as a child trusts his father. He believes that everything from God works for good. True love appears in longing for God and feeling His absence — as David said, “My soul thirsts for You.”

The call to return

His Holiness urges every soul to remember from where it has fallen and repent, returning to its first works: praying with yearning, serving with love, reading with reflection, and speaking to God with openness. First love is the foundation of faith and communion with God — without it, spiritual life loses its heart.

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