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[On married love] This love is above all fully human, a…

“[On married love] This love is above all fully human, a compound of sense and spirit. It is not, then, merely a question of natural instinct or emotional drive. It is also, and above all, an act of the free will, whose trust is such that it is meant not only to survive the joys and sorrows of…” quote by Pope Paul VI
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““[On married love] This love is above all fully human, a compound of sense and spirit. It is not, then, merely a question of natural instinct or emotional drive. It is also, and above all, an act of the free will, whose trust is such that it is meant not only to survive the joys and sorrows of daily life, but also to grow, so that husband and wife become in a way one heart and one soul, and together attain their human fulfillment. It is a love which is total—that very special form of personal friendship in which husband and wife generously share everything, allowing no unreasonable exceptions and not thinking solely of their own convenience. Whoever really loves his partner loves not only for what he receives, but loves that partner for the partner's own sake, content to be able to enrich the other with the gift of himself.””

Pope Paul VI

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Marital love is a conscious, free-will partnership that blends intellect and spirit, aiming for mutual growth and shared fulfillment.

In simple terms: Marriage is a deliberate, shared journey of love and growth.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate a partnership based on mutual respect and shared purpose.

Themes

marriage love friendship spiritual growth

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

theological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • pre-marital workshops
  • relationship building

Key Concepts

theology human fulfillment free will

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can couples nurture shared purpose?
  • What challenges arise when expectations differ?
A Different Perspective

Ideal may be hard to achieve in practice.

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