“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:12–13 (BSB)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not arrogant. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs… Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–5, 8 (BSB)
“Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” — Romans 13:10 (BSB)
Christian love is not merely emotion—it is action grounded in truth. To love is to give, to serve, to forgive, to speak truth, and to seek the eternal good of others. Love flows from a heart made new by the Holy Spirit, and it is the greatest fruit of the Spirit and the fulfillment of God’s law.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Love is not just the virtue of Christianity—it is the core. All holiness, all mission, all obedience flows from and returns to love.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Love is not permissiveness, nor is it mere kindness. It is the costly, courageous commitment to give ourselves for the glory of God and the good of others.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer teaches love in the Daily Offices, the Litany, and especially in the Summary of the Law, which reminds us: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… and thy neighbor as thyself.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “Love is the grand secret of practical holiness. He who loves God will strive to obey Him; he who loves his neighbor will seek to serve him. True love always leads to action.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “If the Church does not love, it cannot preach. If it does not love, it cannot lead. Love is not an option for Christians—it is our identity.”
Love glorifies Christ by imitating His self-sacrifice, obeying His commands, and revealing His heart to a broken world.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Love, and do what you will. For the soul that truly loves God cannot sin willfully. Love is the weight that moves the soul.” — Homily on 1 John, 7
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Love of God and neighbor is not two loves, but one fire. If love does not burn, it is not of God.” — Homily on Charity
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “If you want to find Christ, look for love. For where love is, there is God. And where there is no love, Christ is a stranger.” — Homily on Romans, 10
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
