The lecture explains that the Lord Jesus Christ summarized all human relationships in one great commandment, which is: “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” This commandment gathers all the Law and the Prophets because it is based on true love and respect for one human being toward another.

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III confirms that a person should not treat others according to how they treat him, but according to how he himself wishes to be treated. Whoever does not like lying, condemnation, revenge, or spying on his life should also not do these things to others.

The lecture also explains that love is the foundation for fulfilling all commandments, because the one who loves his neighbor cannot harm him, oppress him, or do evil to him. Therefore, the Scripture said that “love is the fulfillment of the Law,” because all commandments are gathered together in the life of practical love.

The lecture explains that this commandment includes both the negative and the positive sides together. A person is not satisfied only with avoiding evil, but also offers the good that he wishes others would offer to him. Christianity is not merely refraining from wrongdoing, but it is a life of giving and practical love.

The lecture also connects between the love of God and the love of neighbor, because the person who loves God with all his heart shows his love for God through his good treatment of people. The relationship with God is reflected in mercy, kindness, respect, and forgiveness toward others.

The lecture explains that the true spiritual person lives this commandment in all details of his daily life, in his words, actions, and relationships, and thus becomes a source of peace and goodness for everyone around him.

In the end, the lecture confirms that true Christian life is based on practical love, because whoever loves his neighbor as himself has fulfilled God’s commandments and walked according to the spirit of the Gospel.

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