Enduring Love: Reflections on Christ’s Teaching of Love by Father Josiah Trenham offers a deep exploration of the nature of love, particularly as it is revealed in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Father Josiah explains that true love, in the Christian sense, is not just an emotion or fleeting feeling but a profound commitment rooted in self-sacrifice and humility.
Drawing extensively from Scripture, especially the New Testament, he teaches that love is the highest virtue and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s commandments. The book stresses that Christ’s sacrificial love on the Cross is the model for Christians to follow in their relationships, emphasizing a love that is enduring, patient, and forgiving—far removed from the self-centered love often promoted by modern culture.
Father Josiah highlights the transformative power of this divine love, encouraging believers to practice it in all aspects of life, including marriage, friendship, and community. He explains that living out Christ-like love requires a continual growth in virtue, a constant turning away from selfishness, and an embrace of patience, humility, and forgiveness. Through prayer, the sacraments, and living according to the teachings of the Church, Orthodox Christians are empowered to embody this love in a way that transforms not only their lives but also the lives of those around them.
The book is particularly beneficial for couples in courtship, providing profound guidance on how to prepare for a successful marriage. Father Josiah stresses that love in a relationship must be rooted in Christ-like selflessness and spiritual growth.
He encourages couples to use the courtship period to cultivate virtues essential for marriage, such as patience and humility, which will help them navigate the challenges they will face. By internalizing these teachings, couples can build a marriage founded on sacrificial love, ensuring a union that is spiritually strong and enduring.
Enduring Love is available for sale at the Holy Trinity Church Supplies store…
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