Hey there,
We know that love is the greatest thing there is. And most importantly that God doesn’t just love us, but that God is love.
But what exactly is love? In the English language, “love” is used for so many different situations and emotions … it’s often misunderstood.
There’s neighborly love, called Philia, that is based on goodwill towards others.
There is brotherly or familial love, called Storge.
There is romantic love, also known as eros, that everyone is chasing … and is the subject of many books and films.
Then there is agape, the highest form of love. Agape is a universal love based on self-sacrifice. It’s the love that God has for us.
And agape is the love that God asks us to have for one another.
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)
This week’s issue of Genuflect reflects on love, what it is, love’s role in our Catholic faith, the realities of love vs. what our culture tells us, how to love ourselves, tips for a holy relationship, and even how to love our enemies and those who make it difficult.
Here’s to adding more love in our life!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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What is Love?
“Philosopher Peter Kreeft considers what love really is (and what it’s really not) showing why what many people commonly think of as love falls short of the shining reality of this great gift of God to human beings.”
What is Love? | Catholic Culture
Catholicism is Love
We all practice the Catholic faith a little differently. Some pray more to Saints for intercession while others go directly to God more. You can focus more on good deeds over prayer or visa versa. Greg Chrysostom explains why regardless of how you practice your faith, there’s one commonality at its core … love.
6 Thoughts on “Love: The Source And The Summit of The Catholic Faith” | Catholic Stand
How to Love Yourself
Our culture defines beauty and in our effort to emulate that it’s easy to turn to self loathing. By focusing on our gifts from God are we able to love ourselves and share that love with the world around us.
When You Need to “Love Yourself” | Catholic Stand
The Reality of Love
There’s an image our culture creates as to what love is … what it looks like … what love should be. But this manufactured love is not reality. Real love, the kind that lasts, looks much different and requires us to make this choice.
Love Comes From Self-Sacrifice | Busted Halo
A Holy Relationship
If you’ve fallen in love and found “the one” you’ll want to check out these 5 tips for what you can do to pursue a holy relationship.
Have You Fallen in Love? Here’s 5 Great Tips For Pursuing a Holy Relationship | ChurchPOP
Benefits of Gratitude
There are countless studies that show people who practice formal gratitude are happier in life. But it doesn’t have to be all that hard or take that long each day. There are three stages for practicing casual gratitude everyday that will also make you happier.
The Benefits of Practicing Everyday Gratitude | Aleteia
How to Love Those we Can’t Stand
We are called to love everyone, but the truth is, there’s always someone who makes this hard. Fortunately, Patti Armstrong shares 3 ways to love those who don’t make it easy.
Friendship How to Love The People we Can’t Stand | Catholic Mom
Loving Our Political Enemies
Sam Guzman penned this article about political discord back in 2016, stating he can’t imagine it getting any worse. Well, as we all experienced, the recent election said “hold my beer.” This is a great reminder of how we should approach our political foes … regardless of our political persuasion.
Love Your (Political) Enemies | The Catholic Gentleman
Taking Care of Caregivers
One of the greatest acts of love is to care for an elderly or disabled person. But from time to time this leads to added strain and exhaustion in our own life. The key is to be sure you take care of yourself first. Here are 9 tips you can sneak into your daily routine.
9 Things All Caregivers Should do … For Themselves | Aleteia
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