The Pathway to Deeper Love: Loving Others Through Loving God

“You will learn to love your brethren more when you first learn to love their Father in heaven more, and after you have become truly more interested in their welfare in time and in eternity.” 181:2.1 (1955.6)

This reveals a profound connection between love for God and love for others. It suggests that genuine compassion and care for fellow human beings—referred to here as “your brethren”—is most fully realized when it is rooted in a sincere love for God, the “Father in heaven.” By deepening one’s relationship with God, a person naturally grows in empathy, patience, and understanding toward others, seeing them as beloved children of the same divine Parent.

It also emphasizes the importance of being “truly more interested in their welfare in time and in eternity.” This means that authentic love goes beyond fleeting kindness or superficial concern; it involves a heartfelt investment in the well-being of others, both in their present lives and in their spiritual destinies. Such love is not limited to meeting immediate needs but extends to supporting others’ growth, happiness, and ultimate fulfillment. When we care about someone’s eternal welfare, our actions and attitudes are shaped by a deeper sense of responsibility and compassion.

Ultimately, the message is that love for others is most powerful and enduring when it flows from a genuine love for God and a sincere desire for their highest good. This approach transforms relationships, fostering unity, forgiveness, and selfless service. By first seeking a closer connection with the divine and then allowing that love to guide our interactions, we become more capable of loving others with the depth, wisdom, and generosity that true spiritual living inspires.