1. • His Holiness Pope Shenouda began the meeting with a blessing for the new year and thanked those organizing the celebration.

   • He explained that he speaks according to what people love to hear, not what he personally wants to say, emphasizing humility and the spirit of service.

2. Main Theme – Love:

   • The Pope spoke about love as the highest commandment in the Christian faith.

   • Love is not words but real deeds done for others.

   • The foundation of love is God, who loved us first, and every gift in our lives flows from His love.

3. Manifestations of Love in Daily Life:

   • God is the supreme example of giving, as He gives without being asked.

   • The sun, the tree, and the flower are examples from nature that give without return.

   • True love should be universal, embracing everyone without distinction or reward.

4. Types of Human Love:

   • A mother’s love: the deepest kind of love because it sacrifices without expecting anything.

   • A father’s love: the most sincere because it aims to save the child even through pain.

   • A friend’s love: is tested in times of hardship and stands firm in adversity.

5. Distinguishing Between Love and Lust:

   • True love “gives,” while lust “takes.”

   • Whoever loves seeks the good of others, but whoever desires seeks self-benefit.

6. Christian Giving and Generosity:

   • Giving must be generous and free from pride or calculation.

   • The concept of tithes and first fruits means offering the first and best of what we have to God.

   • The highest form of giving is from one’s need, not from excess — that is true sacrifice.

7. Man’s Stewardship from God:

   • Man is not an owner but a steward of what God has given — money, time, and health.

   • Every person will one day be asked how he used these gifts for good and service.

8. Non-material Forms of Love:

   • A kind look, an encouraging word, a sincere smile, or honest advice are also acts of giving.

   • Even loving correction or warning can be a form of true love.

9. Spiritual Conclusion:

   • God asks for our hearts above all: “My son, give me your heart.”

   • Whoever loves God keeps His commandments and lives love in action, not merely in words.

   • The Pope concluded by thanking the listeners and inviting them to live out love daily.

✨ Main Message:

Love is the essence of Christian life and the root of every virtue. It begins with God and is expressed through giving, forgiveness, service, and constant self-sacrifice without discrimination or expectation.

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