LOVE IN JOHN CHRYSOSTOM’S WRITINGS

Abstract

Love is the word about which many pages have been written in literature, philosophy, and religion. Many ancient Greek authors used this term together with its derivatives in many of their writings. Chrysostom speaks of the fact that Agape (Love) is God and He
is known by men only through love. Love in its quality is the likeness of God, as far as this is possible for human beings. In love’s attribute, it is an intoxication of the soul, and in its quality, it is a source of faith, the abyss of longsuffering. At the same time, love is a big sea of humility. Chrysostom’s teaching on love is based on the teaching on love of St. Paul, whom he honors and loves. Chrysostom applied his teaching on love throughout his love for God and through charity for people. Chrysostom emphasizes whoever has Christian love, he continues to love his neighbour, whether the latter hates or abuses him. Through his love a Christian imitates Christ who forgave His enemies on the cross: „Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Finally, in Christianity our salvation come through the salvation of the other and this means love.