God is love. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to love even those who spitefully use us. Our own worst enemies are to feel our love as burning coals heaped upon their heads. We all know this, of course, but what we seem to have forgotten is that true love requires compassion. As Elder Paisos of the Holy Mountain reminds us:

This is the most important thing of all: to have true love among yourselves . . . not false love. Always, when there is true concern for each other, compassion and love, one can act correctly. Kindness and love are empowering.