How Does One Come to Love?

By Orchot haTzaddikim (the Way of the Righteous) an anonymous work:

How does one come to love all men? I will teach youi.  The way is for him to give to all men as much as he can of himself and of his possessions.  Of himself:  He should serve all men, rich and poor, and exert himself on their behalf.  Of his possessions: he should lend the rich man money in his time of need and the poor man in his duress.  He should also give him occasional gifts according to his ability and at intervals asend treats and gifts to the rich as well.  He should be entirely magnanimous.  If he has dealings with others, he should conduct them in complete hoesty and he should not make issues of small things.  He should always desire that his friend profit from him, and he should never try to profit from his friend.  He should speak gently with all men.  If someone shames him, he should nto shame him in return; if he misleads him, he should not mislead him in return.  He should bear the burdens of others upon his shoulders, but not impose his burdens on them.  He shoudl not quarrel with others and should receive all men with joy and with a kinly countenance, for such kindness strengthens love. ...


(I'm nowhere near there, but just thought I'd post it.)



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