You can will an act of service but you cannot will love

You can will an act of service but you cannot will love

In the teachings of Anthony de Mello, the idea that one can will an act of service but cannot will love is a profound concept that speaks to the nature of genuine love and the limitations of human willpower. De Mello, a Jesuit priest and spiritual teacher, emphasized the importance of cultivating a deep understanding of oneself and others in order to truly experience love in its purest form.

According to de Mello, love is not something that can be forced or manufactured through sheer willpower. It is a natural and spontaneous expression of the heart that arises when one is in alignment with their true self and connected to the essence of all beings. Love cannot be coerced or manipulated; it must flow freely and authentically from within.

On the other hand, acts of service can be willed and carried out through conscious effort and intention. Service is a way of expressing love and compassion towards others, but it is not the same as love itself. While acts of service can be a powerful way to demonstrate care and kindness, they do not necessarily reflect the depth of love that comes from a genuine connection with another person.

De Mello believed that true love is a state of being that transcends the ego and the limitations of the mind. It is a pure and unconditional expression of the heart that arises from a place of inner peace and harmony. Love cannot be forced or controlled; it must be allowed to blossom naturally and organically.