If a man is not envious or angry, and does not bear a grudge against someone who has offended him, that does not necessarily mean that he loves him.
For, while still lacking love, he may be capable of not repaying evil with evil, in accordance with the commandment (cf. Rom. 12:17), and yet by no means be capable of rendering good for evil without forcing himself.
To be spontaneously disposed to "do good to those who you hate you" (Matt. 5:44) belongs to perfect spiritual love alone.
For, while still lacking love, he may be capable of not repaying evil with evil, in accordance with the commandment (cf. Rom. 12:17), and yet by no means be capable of rendering good for evil without forcing himself.
To be spontaneously disposed to "do good to those who you hate you" (Matt. 5:44) belongs to perfect spiritual love alone.
St. Maximos the Confessor