“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” ~ Thomas Merton
We should never wonder if someone is worthy of our love. Let me emphasize that one more time: We should never wonder if someone is worthy of our love. The reason is quite simple. The moment we begin to wonder if someone is worthy of our love, we engage in judging another person. And the moment we engage in judging another, we incriminate ourselves.
Jesus was always very clear about this. If we expect forgiveness, we have to forgive. If we expect compassion, we need to be compassionate. If we expect to be loved, we have to love. Period. Exclamation mark. End of statement.
Merton is emphasizing the teaching of Christ in today’s quote and his quote is so desperately needed today. There are way too many people in society who judge others as not being worthy of love, compassion, forgiveness, and a whole host of other virtuous gifts. This needs to stop before the world gets too far out of control.
I could say more but I think I’m going to leave it at that. Please, for God’s sake as well as for our own, love one another.
FAITH ACTION: Love others today as God loves you: freely, completely, and unconditionally.