Love is not simply a warm feeling, but a deep process of inner transformation, where every step begins with the purification of the soul.

The Transformative Elements of True Love

Love is not simply a warm feeling, but a deep process of inner transformation, where every step begins with the purification of the soul. Overcoming selfishness and negative emotions allows one to open up space for sincere relationships. The very idea of love goes beyond mere physical attraction – it lies in the unity of the spiritual and bodily elements, where the harmony of these parts creates a solid foundation for a true connection between people. This unity demands avoiding extremes: love cannot be reduced solely to material or physical closeness when it is divorced from the metaphysical dimension that unites the soul and the body into one whole. And finally, true love obliges us to self-denial. Genuine love is manifested in the willingness to put another’s interests above one’s own, creating conditions for the happiness of the beloved regardless of personal needs. Ultimately, sincere love is a combination of inner purification, the harmonious union of body and soul, and selfless dedication that transforms us and our perception of the world in a positive light.

Which fundamental elements are necessary for the emergence of love?

Based on the provided quotations, several fundamental elements necessary for the emergence of true love can be identified:

1. The first element is linked to inner purification and the struggle against the negative aspects of one’s personality. One excerpt emphasizes that love begins with overcoming personal malice, selfishness, and inner impurity, which allows the soul to be washed in God’s grace:

"Love is absolute without anger, without malice, without resentment; it is the obligatory and immediate forgiveness. The Lord said: 'Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied'... Love begins with the fight against selfishness and the purification of the soul." (source: link txt)

2. The second element highlights the dual nature of a human being as both a spiritual and a corporal entity, asserting that true love requires the unity of these two principles. For genuine love to arise, a harmonious merger of soul and body is essential, as is avoiding extremes where love is reduced merely to a physical dimension or becomes a caricature of true love:

"This is the most elementary, the very first lesson that God teaches about love. To love one’s child, one’s mother, father, young man, or girl... But merely saying that is not enough. I am convinced that at the basis of the union between man and woman lies something profoundly metaphysical, that the mystery of sex is the vast mystery of nature. Man is not merely spirit or body, but a unique spiritual-corporeal being in nature... True love requires a spiritual-corporeal unity and the avoidance of extremes." (source: link txt)

3. The third important aspect is selflessness and the willingness to put another person’s interests above one’s own. True love is not confined to superficial admiration of external qualities; it is expressed through the sincere desire to serve the beloved, sacrificing oneself to improve their life:

"What does it mean: 'I love her'? ... In reality, there is no love here, only self-indulgence. True love, on the contrary, is independent of the person’s own characteristics, but if I love him, I am ready to do anything for him, everything that my heart commands. I love him, therefore I am ready to wash, ready to clean up after him, ready to spend thirty years by his bedside, ready to sacrifice myself for him, ready to give everything, ready to go anywhere. That is love, but such love is rare, as everyone tends to please themselves." (source: link txt)

Thus, the fundamental elements necessary for the emergence of love include:
• Inner purification through the struggle against selfishness and negative emotions.
• A harmonious union of spiritual and bodily aspects that allows one to love not only the body but also the soul.
• A readiness for selfless sacrifice, where love is expressed through unconditional service and sacrifice for another person.

Supporting citation(s):
"Love is absolute without anger, without malice, without resentment... Love begins with the fight against selfishness and the purification of the soul." (source: link txt)
"This is the most elementary, the very first lesson that God teaches about love... True love requires a spiritual-corporeal unity and the avoidance of extremes." (source: link txt)
"What does it mean: 'I love her'? ... True love, on the contrary, is independent of the person’s own characteristics, but if I love him, I am ready to do anything for him... That is love..." (source: link txt)