Love is the last and most important of the theological virtues we’ve been exploring these past few weeks. Jesus tells us to abide in His love (John 15:9) and to love others as He loves us (John 13:33-34). St. John reminds us that love is from God and that God is love (1 John 4:7-8). St. Paul goes even further, saying that without love, he is nothing and gains nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1). So, what is love?

     Theologians distinguish between the feeling of love and the virtue of love. The first is the stuff of songs; the latter, the stuff of saints. As any married couple can attest, feelings come and go, but the choice to love remains. The virtue of love resides in the will—it involves what we choose to do, think, or say about or to another. Love is about desiring what is best for the other person, wanting to see them flourish and grow into the best version of themselves.

     When we speak of the virtue of love in this context, we refer first and foremost to love for God. The more we grow in this virtue, the more we lift our hearts to God. This virtue gives us the freedom of the children of God (Romans 8:21), enabling us to give ourselves completely to Him in trust and love. Knowing herself to be loved in this way, the Christian disciple can then love and accept others with the same generosity.

     The beauty of love is that it bears fruit. God, who is a communion of love—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—brought forth all of creation. A husband and wife bring forth children. Each Christian, too, bears spiritual fruit. The spiritual fruits of love are joy, peace, and mercy. We could all use more joy, peace, and mercy in our lives, and the wisdom of the Church teaches that the way to grow in them is by deepening our relationship with God. The more we love God and give our lives to Him, the more we live as His beloved children, and the more joy, peace, and mercy will follow.

     What are some practical ways to grow in this virtue? The first step is always to ask God for an increase in love. Pray: “Lord, help me to love You with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength” (Matthew 22:37). Beyond this, here are three additional ways:

     While we grow in love, we must also be wary of the vices that quench its fire: ingratitude, indifference, and lukewarmness. These vices make it difficult to progress in love and can rob us of its fruits.(1)

     As we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, I pray that each of us may share in the joy of living as beloved children of God.

(1) Material for this article drawn from: Virtue Field Guide put out by the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and Open Light Media. (Lumen Ecclesiae Press Inc, Ann Arbor 2023)