Solus amor Dei

There are many kinds of love. There is love for people and animals. There is love for material possessions and worldly things. There is love for everything we can imagine. These forms of love can be attained through our own efforts, and although they may be deep and feel genuine, they are ultimately impermanent in nature and man-made in essence, for each of us will sooner or later face death, and we cannot carry the things we love beyond that boundary. There is only one love that is eternal and without limit, and that is God’s love, in which human life finds its fulfillment and perfection.

However, we cannot attain God’s love through our own deeds or merits, for God’s love for us is always a gift—a gift that He bestows upon us solely out of His glorious grace and love. God’s love for us is like a parent’s unconditional love for their child—the child receives love without asking for it or demanding it. A parent loves their child regardless of any external circumstances, and nothing can make a parent stop loving their child.

In 1 John 4:8 it says: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” God is love, for everything created—the universe itself, across past, present, and future, everything within it—is filled by love; all things have been created out of God’s love for His creation.

We humans often fail to understand this, as we become attached to worldly things, and thus encounter suffering and pain. We may fall into despair when facing inevitable situations of sorrow in life, in the midst of which we perceive only darkness and hatred toward suffering, and we may ask, “Why did this happen to me, who live a good, compassionate, and happy life?” But worldly existence spares no one from suffering.

But even if we were to wander constantly through the valley of darkness, God has good news for us: He never abandons us and is always present, like a father who loves his child. We only need to turn toward Him and understand, even in the deepest innermost parts of our soul, that we are eternally safe if we accept His merciful love.

We can draw near through prayer, calling out to Him for help when we no longer have the strength. He listens to us patiently and does not leave us in distress, even if He does not respond immediately in the way we desire. God is working behind the scenes, and we must trust Him and His plan—We must have faith that everything will ultimately work out for the best.

And if you look deeply into your life, you may notice that everything has, in one way or another, fallen into place, sooner or later. So do not worry without reason, do not be anxious, do not be afraid, for God exists for you. You are safe; He loves you above all else, for you are His great creation, one of His beloved children.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28