RELIGIOUS LITERACY | DECEMBER 25, 2023

Love & Charity Are the Greatest Gifts—A Christmas Wish From Across the Ages

In the midst of all the anger, hate, death and destruction in the world, Christmas reminds us that love and charity are the greatest gifts of all.

Indeed, these are gifts that can be given—and received—by anyone, of any race, religion or nationality. Consider these words of wise men echoing down to us through history:

“It requires real strength to love Man. And to love him despite all invitations to do otherwise, all provocations and all reasons why one should not.

“Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe.” —L. Ron Hubbard

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” —John 13:34

“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another.” —The Sahih Muslim (Islamic holy text)

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Leviticus 19:18

“Relieving the ravaging hunger of the poor is the most secure use of a rich man’s wealth.” —Tirukkural 226 (Hindu holy text)

“I’ll tell the truth; listen everyone. Only those who have Loved, will realize the Lord.”

—Sikh Guru Gobind Singh

“If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.” —Confucius

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” —John Bunyan

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” —Mahatma Gandhi

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” —Lord Krishna

“Merry Christmas.” —Me

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AUTHOR

Leland Thoburn

Leland has been a Scientologist for 45 years. His writings have been published in numerous magazines and literary journals, including Foliate Oak Review, Writers’ Journal, Feathertale Review, Calliope, Vocabula Review and others. Formerly an executive at EarthLink Inc., he works as a business consultant.

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