Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal

Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal

C.S. Lewis, a renowned author and theologian, often explored the complexities of love in his works. One of his most famous quotes on the subject is, “Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal.” This quote encapsulates the idea that true love is not just about accepting someone as they are, flaws and all, but also about wanting the best for them and helping them to grow and improve.

In the context of C.S. Lewis’s beliefs, this quote reflects his Christian worldview and his understanding of the transformative power of love. Lewis believed that love was not just a feeling, but a choice and a commitment to the well-being of the other person. In his book “The Four Loves,” Lewis distinguishes between different types of love, including affection, friendship, eros, and charity. He argues that charity, or agape love, is the highest form of love because it is selfless and seeks the good of the other person above all else.

When Lewis says that love cannot cease to will the removal of someone’s infirmities, he is emphasizing the idea that true love desires the best for the other person, even if it means confronting their weaknesses and helping them to overcome them. This does not mean that love is blind to the faults of the beloved, but rather that it sees them clearly and still chooses to love them unconditionally.