Making love real through our actions

8 Mar 2024

Love is not a word we often use to describe our work – or is it? I have heard caregivers often say to each other, “Thanks, I love your work” or having completed something fulfilling, “I love my work”. Perhaps there is more to love than we first think!

The call to love actively and genuinely is a timeless principle that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. It prompts us to think about the impact of our behaviours on others and suggests that commitment and effort is required to focus on the wellbeing of others.  

Love made real is no better captured than through a comment shared by a St John of God Health Care patient who said “It was like everything happened out of nowhere, then you just appeared when I needed you most. I can’t thank you enough.” 

The words of scripture invite us to consider that “Our love must be not just words or mere talk, but something active and genuine.” (1 John 3:18). Through this lens, love becomes a verb – an action that requires continuous engagement rather than a fleeting emotion. We are invited to demonstrate love through concrete acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. It involves examining our motivations and checking that our actions align with the values we profess.

St John of God epitomised love made real. Despite facing adversity, St John of God dedicated his life to the service of the sick, vulnerable and marginalised.  Remember his words “Do good for yourselves by doing good for others.”

St John of God Day is a timely reminder for each of us to consider more deeply the expression of love through our own actions, a distinguishing feature of our service ethos at St John of God Health Care.

From what I see, love is all around us in our hospitals and services. Thank you for making love real through your work each day.  

Have a wonderful St John of God Day!