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God is the infinite ALL. Man is only a finite manifestation of Him. Or better yet: God is that infinite All of which man knows himself to be a finite part. God alone exists truly. Man manifests Him in time, space and matter. The more God's manifestation in man (life) unites with the manifestations (lives) of other beings, the more man exists. This union with the lives of other beings is accomplished through love. God is not love, but the more there is of love, the more man manifests God, and the more he truly exists... We acknowledge God only when we are conscious of His manifestation in us. All conclusions and guidelines based on this consciousness should fully satisfy both our desire to know God as such as well as our desire to live a life based on this recognition.

Leo Tolstoy#15

LifeLoveSpiritualityUnityGodTheology

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About this quote

What does it mean?
God is infinite; humans manifest God through love and unity with others.
In plain terms
Love and unity show God's presence in us.
What can you take from it?
Grow closer to God through love for others.

Where it applies

  • spiritual practice
  • interpersonal relations
  • meditation

Putting it to work

  • practice loving-kindness
  • seek unity
  • reflect on divine

Questions to consider

  • How do you experience God?
  • Does love connect you to the divine?

Another view

This view may not align with all theological perspectives.

More from Leo Tolstoy

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  2. If you want to be happy, be.

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  3. The only significance of life consists in helping to establish the kingdom of God; and this can be done only by means of the acknowledgment and profession of t…

    Permalink to quote #13

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