What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you read the word “love?” Is it romance (“He is so cute!”)? Is it preference (“Oh how I love pizza!”)? Is it family love (“I’m really mad at mom right now but she’s my mom.”)? It turns out that the love that God has, the love that God is remains different from all of these. Agape in Greek and caritas in Latin; this is a self-sacrificing, unconditional love.

This love, in its true form, is a reality beyond our comprehension. Our call is to stand in awe of its might and imitate it as much as our human will allows. You’ll notice that our virtue of charity gets its name from the Latin for this love. Charity is so central to Christ’s message that his crucifixion was endured out of charity. It’s one of the best ways we can imitate Christ now.

Don’t offer because you need hours, don’t serve because it’s easy or fun, don’t donate because there’s repayment or a thank-you. Love because it’s written on your heart.