The Argument from Love

The Argument from Love - Divine Love as the Ground of All Existence & Driving Force of Human Existance (as Understood in Eastern Orthodoxy):

The Argument from Love in the Eastern Orthodox tradition emphasizes the importance of divine love as the ground of existence and the driving force of human life. This love is expressed through the communion of persons in the Trinity, which serves as the source of all things. As Saint Paul states in Romans 8:38-39 (KJV), "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This divine love not only gives coherence to our understanding of the world but also serves as a source of inspiration and guidance for our lives (1 John 4:16).

In our journey towards understanding God and experiencing divine love, it is essential to remember that God transcends our ability to grasp or describe fully. God as a communion of persons, that's what the Trinity is. This divine mystery allows us to perceive God as the infinite source of everything (Psalm 90:2). However, we must humbly remember that anything you say about God is always wrong, in the sense that everything you say about God is always a compromise, this not some woowoo new-age concept, this thought is supported by the Church Fathers and completely Orthodox in nature (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Every thing or being has that reality; its identity is above its multiplicity. Its identity is higher than its multiplication. The unity we find in objects and things like cars, apples or chairs, or even in teams, families, or neighborhoods or within ourselves, can be understood as existing through a communion of love (Colossians 1:17). It is this love that allows diverse elements to come together without losing their individuality, thereby revealing the profound truth that love is the life of the soul and the essence of existence (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

By embracing this divine love and the communion of persons in the Trinity, we can deepen our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world around us (1 John 4:12). Through the practice of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), asceticism (Matthew 6:16-18), and acts of charity (Hebrews 13:16), we can strive to reflect this love in our relationships with others and participate in the divine life that is the ultimate purpose of human existence (2 Peter 1:3-4).

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ, in which God becomes human, is a supreme expression of divine love in Eastern Orthodox thought. Through the Incarnation, God demonstrates His profound love for humanity by uniting Himself with His creation and offering salvation (John 3:16). The Serbian saint, St. Nikolai Velimirovich, wrote, "God's love is so great that it is incomprehensible; it is like an endless ocean in which we are all submerged" (Ephesians 3:18-19).

Eastern Orthodox spirituality emphasizes the importance of cultivating love for God and others (Matthew 22:36-40). St. Maximus the Confessor said, "Love brings a likeness to God to those who practice it." In living out the commandment to love one another, as Jesus instructed in John 13:34 (KJV), we not only grow in our relationship with God but also contribute to the spiritual well-being of our communities (Galatians 5:13-14). The love we share with others becomes a beacon of light, guiding those who are seeking solace and refuge from the difficulties of life (Matthew 5:14-16).

The doctrine of theosis, central to Eastern Orthodox soteriology, highlights the transformative power of divine love. Through theosis, humans can participate in the divine nature and experience intimate union with God (2 Peter 1:4). This process of deification is fueled by divine love and is the ultimate purpose of human existence (Philippians 2:12-13).

Ultimately, the Argument from Love in the Eastern Orthodox tradition offers a profound insight into the nature of God, the world, and our place within it. By embracing the divine love that is at the heart of the Trinity and seeking to love one another as Christ has loved us, we can experience the transformative power of divine love and draw nearer to the God who is the infinite source of everything (1 John 4:7-12). Through this journey, we are called to embody the love that is the essence of existence, bringing hope, healing, and unity to a world in need (1 Corinthians 13:13). As we strive to reflect this divine love in our lives, we can look to the wisdom of Orthodox saints for guidance and inspiration.

Saint Silouan the Athonite, a 20th-century saint, once said, "Keep your mind in hell, and despair not." This quote, while seemingly counterintuitive, encourages us to face the challenges and difficulties in our lives with hope (Romans 12:12), knowing that divine love can help us overcome even the darkest moments (Romans 8:38-39).

Another profound insight comes from Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, a revered 20th-century monk, who stated, "With the help of divine love, man becomes more merciful, more humble, and more patient." This quote emphasizes the transformative power of divine love (1 John 4:7-8) and how it can shape our character and actions, leading us to become more compassionate and understanding individuals (Colossians 3:12-14).

Additionally, Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk, an 18th-century bishop and spiritual writer, observed, "Try to know yourself, your own wickedness. Think on the greatness of God and your wretchedness. Meditate on the suffering of Christ, the magnitude of Whose love and suffering surpass our understanding." This quote reminds us of the importance of self-reflection (2 Corinthians 13:5), as well as the depth of God's love and sacrifice (Ephesians 3:18-19), which can inspire us to live our lives in a way that honors His great love (1 John 3:16).

Drawing from the wisdom of these Orthodox saints, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of divine love in our lives (Romans 5:5). By seeking to embody this love, we can foster hope, healing, and unity within ourselves and the world around us (Ephesians 4:2-3). As we continue on our journey towards understanding God and experiencing divine love, let us keep the teachings of these saints in our hearts, allowing their words to inspire and guide us as we strive to love one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34).