Brother Endrit Journey

The Augustine’s Profound Wisdom on Aligning Actions with God’s Will.

In the rich tapestry of Christian thought, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of Saint Augustine of Hippo. A towering figure in the history of the Church, Augustine’s teachings continue to inspire and challenge believers across the centuries. Among his many pearls of wisdom, a particularly striking quote stands out: “Love, and do what you will”. It was part of his sermon on the Easter service of 407 A.D.  In this blog, we delve into the depth of Augustine’s insight, exploring how this famous quote encapsulates his idea that actions, when rooted in genuine love, naturally align with God’s will.

Love as the Guiding Principle: Augustine’s timeless wisdom echoes from the beginning of the firth century, yet its relevance remains undiminished. At the center of this intense statement is the impression that love should serve as the guiding principle for human actions. To understand the depth of Augustine’s message, we must explore the multifaceted layers of love as he envisioned it.

For Augustine, love was not merely an emotion or sentiment but a transformative cause that permeates every aspect of human existence. He distinguished between two fundamental types of love: love of self and love of God. The former, he cautioned, could lead to disordered desires and actions, while the latter, a selfless and God-centered love, was the key to aligning one’s will with the divine.

Alignment with God’s Intention:  The second part of Augustine’s quote — “do what you will” — is not a carte blanche for unrestrained actions. Those who declare “love is love” or “I’m doing what I’m doing because I’m in love” might like the twisted version of “do what you like in the name of love”.   Augustine believed that when love for God and neighbor becomes the driving force behind our actions, our will is naturally aligned with God’s will. It states that not all love is God’s love- the primary condition of genuine love. Augustine invites us to examine the motivations behind our deeds. Are our actions rooted in authentic love, or are they driven by selfish desires?

What to do?  Augustine’s wisdom is not confined to theological discourse; it has practical implications for our daily lives. In an era marked by moral relativism and shifting ethical standards, this principle provides a moral compass rooted in the truthfulness  of unchanging divine love. By making love the cornerstone of our decisions, we can contribute to a more compassionate and just society.

When faced with moral decisions, Augustine’s advice encourages us to assess our motives. If love is the impulse behind our choices, we can trust that our actions are in harmony with God’s plan.  This perspective challenges the notion of a legalistic approach to morality. Augustine’s statement invites us to move beyond a checklist of do’s and don’ts and instead cultivate a heart transformed by love. In doing so, our actions cease to be burdensome obligations but rather joyful expressions of devotion to God and lead us into a harmonious union with the divine will.