Love Does Not Let One Forget the Beloved Lord Even for a Moment

Review your entire life from the beginning, from when you first remembered yourself, and note all instances of unexpected deliverance from misfortune and unexpected receiving of joy. We do not notice many misfortunes, because they pass us by unnoticed. But looking back, we cannot help but see that here and there were misfortunes that passed us by—but how they passed, we cannot say. Observe such instances in your life and confess that it was the mercy of God toward you, who loved you. Know that the hidden mercies of God toward us—toward each one of us—are countless, for all things come from God. Confess these mercies and give thanks to God with all your heart. But if you look well into the course of your life, you will find many instances of God’s manifest mercy toward you. Misfortune should have come, but it passed—you do not know how. God delivered you. Confess this and thank God, who loves you.

And knowledge of the mercies common to all warms the heart; all the more will it be warmed by the sight of mercies directed specifically to you. Love kindles love. Having felt how the Lord loves you, you cannot remain cold toward him: the heart itself will be drawn to him in gratitude and love. Hold your heart under the influence of such a conviction of the Lord’s love for you: and heartfelt warmth will soon grow into a flame of love for the Lord. When this comes to pass, you will need neither reminders to remember God nor instructions on how to succeed at this. Love does not let one forget the beloved Lord even for a moment. This is the mark of the goal. Receive this in your mind, and receive it with conviction. And then direct all your labor toward this very thing—toward establishing in mind and heart the thought of God. (2, 183–184)