Gifts of Heaven · Volume 1 · Chapter 83

True neighbourly love

20th November 1840, evening's

To Anselm H.:

[1] Charity does not consist in the eyes, nor in the tone of speech, nor in anything else outwardly pleasurable – but true charity consists only in true beneficence, especially toward those of whom there is no thought of any kind of service in return.

[2] Wherever love has another secondary reason, it ceases to be true, pure charity and is then like a watered-down wine, in which there is no more strength, no more "ether of life", but which is a "puddle", a commodity of bad innkeepers! Understand it well!

[3] But who can serve two masters? Behold, I and the world are two extremely sharply divided ones. Therefore rather belong and serve Me, the One, completely – since I tolerate absolutely no rival!

[4] To do well is therefore already right – but only in My order! Amen.