We will not reach perfection in the love of neighbor
if that love doesn't arise from love of God at its root.

 
St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century

What is the mark of your love for your neighbor?
Not to seek what is for your own benefit,
but what is for the benefit of the one loved,
both in body and in soul.

 
St. Basil the Great, 4th century

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours, no feet but yours;
yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion
looks out on the world.

 
St. Teresa of Avila, 16th century

Perfect love means putting up with other people's shortcomings,
feeling no surprise at their weaknesses,
feeling encouragement in even the slightest evidence
of good qualities in them.

 
St. Therese of Lisieux, 19th century

It is always the same Christ who says:
I was homeless, not only for a shelter made of bricks,
but for a heart that understands, that cares, that loves.

 
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, 20th century

Mercy is a loving disposition
toward all those who suffer distress.

 
St. Gregory of Nyssa, 4th century

If you try to outdo one another in showing respect,
your life on earth will be like that of the angels.

 
St. Gregory of Nyssa, 4th century

We must bestow our love on our brothers and sisters;
we must not allow any malice at all to remain in our hearts.

 
St. Gregory the Great, 6th century