On Love for God - St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, one of the most beloved Russian saints of the past few centuries, describes how fitting it is for man to love God and the signs that such love is true and genuine. "Truly is it said by all, 'How can we not love God?'"
Text is from "Journey to Heaven: Counsels on the Particular Duties of Every Christian" by St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, p. 1-8
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St. Tikhon writes:
"Whom shall we love, if not God?" God is the supreme good, uncreated, without beginning, without end, existent, and without change. As the sun always shines, as fire always warms, so God is by nature good; He is and always does good, since there is none good, but One, that is God (Matt. 19:17).
O the most beloved and beautiful of God's creation, man, the image of God! He bears it in himself as a royal seal. As the king is honored, so is his portrait. As to God the Heavenly King is due all honor, so to His image, man. God poured forth this goodness on us in our creation, O Christian. How then can we not love God?
As we all call Him, God is the Lover of Mankind; then man must be a lover of God. For nothing can be given in return for love but love and gratitude.
Truly is it said by all, "How can we not love God?" Love, like every other virtue, must also reside in our heart. For if love does not reside in the heart, then it does not exist. God does not say, "Love, be humble, be compassionate, pray, beseech, call unto Me," and so on, to our lips, but to our heart. Then love, humility, compassion, prayer, and the rest, must reside in the heart. And if it abides in the heart, then it will inevitably appear outwardly like a belch from stomach. A hidden fire gives itself away by its heat, and a fragrant balm by its smell.
The true lover of God disdains the world and all that is in the world, and strives toward God, his most beloved. He counts honor, glory, riches, and all the comforts of this world which the sons of this age seek, as nothing. For him only God, the uncreated and most beloved good, suffices.
The true lover of God keeps God ever in mind, and His love toward us and His benefactions. We see this even in human love, for we often remember the one we love. So whoever loves God remembers Him, thinks of Him, and finds consolation in Him, and is enrapt in Him.
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[@SusScrofaVulgaris]

God be praised.

[@NicholasMGlasson]

Большое спасибо. Господин помилуй. Many thanks, we are not worthy, but ever grateful. Слава богу, Дорогой Отец! 🙏

[@yankaufmann9715]

Saint Tikhon pray for us.

[@elliotdavies1418]

Precibus sanctorum patrum nostrorum miserere nobis et salva nos!

[@eddiedelisio]

St Tikhon of Zadonsk well pleasing to God, our speedy helper and intercessor, pray for us. ☦️

[@IsaiahBoyd-j4s]

I know this video will convict my soul before i even watch im scared to hit the play button because of my sins but i know thats all the more why i should.

[@IsaiahBoyd-j4s]

Just watched the video I feel better and will pray

[@danielgaley9676]

@@IsaiahBoyd-j4s you are not alone. Keep saying the Jesus prayer throughout each day.

[@ZeOnetruth]

​@IsaiahBoyd-j4s stay safe trust in GOD and pray pray all the time about everything. Take Father with you wherever you go for he is with you always.

[@KostasS19]

Good video! Keep it up

[@danielgaley9676]

Thank you for these videos.

[@jonathanbritt6418]

Great video!