LOVE IS THE SPIRIT BEHIND TRUE RELIGION AND GOOD SOCIETY

By Msgr. John Wynand Katende  

Posted on: Friday, 23rd October 2026

Some people think that the true and acceptable religion by God is one that is loaded with incessant prayers, many laws, rituals, and the like. Others think in terms of an easy religion, with no formalities or traditions. Its adherents seek joy, comfort, and quick fixes to problems. Some pastors invent teachings that appeal to numbers, but not necessarily the truth.  

In Jesus’ time, Judaism comprised 613 laws, derived from the first five books of the Bible (Torah). It is said that even its own clergymen were having difficulty handling such a burden.  So, on one occasion, an Interpreter of the Torah dared to ask Jesus, whom he deemed to be very wise, as to which of those laws was the greatest. Jesus wisely replied that loving God and loving our neighbor is the spirit behind the Law or religion. (Matthew 22:34-40).  

Indeed, LOVE is the spirit in which God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments, after delivering them from slavery in Egypt. He intended to help them stick to Him so that they would not be enslaved again (in sin) 

The Catholic Church is also perceived by many to be loaded with many laws and teachings, sacraments, Masses, devotions to Mary and saints, novenas, and many other similar practices. In a sense, it is fundamentally commissioned to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and preserve biblical truth through its core beliefs and practices. (Matthew 28:-19-20). 

When we understand the law of love, we easily realize that all of that is being complained about is not necessarily the essence of Christianity, though it is, nevertheless, helpful to us to express love.

This is what prompted St. Augustine to express that: “Love first and do what you will”. He means that when we walk in love, everything good and everything right is possible. True love bears good fruits. It is in that same love that we understand what religion demands of us to willingly fulfill. 

In other words, God seeks a relationship that comes from our hearts, not from outward laws. Societal laws must also be based on the great law of love, they become oppressive rather than liberating.  

The crux of the matter is that Christianity helps us to reciprocate the very love of God that created us. Because Jesus redeemed us out of love, we call Him our Lord. We become true Christians by loving like Him, in words and deeds. The best way to actualize this is by caring for the needy (Exodus 22:20-26). 

Ultimately, true love is not merited, but graced by God. Therefore, let us always ask for it in its fullness and practice it.