Meaning: The quote "What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like." is attributed to Saint Augustine, also known as Augustine of Hippo, who was a Christian theologian and philosopher in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. This quote encapsulates a profound understanding of love as a selfless and compassionate force that is expressed through action and empathy.

Saint Augustine's words convey a powerful message about the nature of love and its outward manifestations. He emphasizes that love is not merely a feeling or an emotion, but it is an active and tangible force that is demonstrated through practical acts of kindness, compassion, and service to others. By describing love as having hands to help, feet to hasten, eyes to see, and ears to hear, Saint Augustine portrays love as an all-encompassing and proactive force that is deeply attuned to the needs and suffering of others.

The imagery of love having hands to help others suggests a willingness to offer practical assistance and support to those in need. It reflects the idea that love is not passive but rather proactive in reaching out and providing aid to those who are struggling or vulnerable. This concept aligns with the Christian virtue of charity, which emphasizes the importance of selflessly giving to others in need.

Furthermore, the notion of love having feet to hasten to the poor and needy underscores the urgency and immediacy of responding to the plight of those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. It conveys a sense of compassion that is not complacent or indifferent but rather eager to alleviate suffering and address social injustices. This aspect of love speaks to the idea of social responsibility and the ethical imperative to actively engage with the challenges faced by the less fortunate.

Saint Augustine's depiction of love as having eyes to see misery and want highlights the importance of empathy and perception in cultivating a compassionate outlook towards others. It emphasizes the capacity to recognize and acknowledge the suffering and deprivation that exist within society, and to respond with empathy and understanding. This aligns with the concept of "seeing with the heart" and cultivating a compassionate gaze that is attuned to the needs and struggles of others.

Moreover, the idea of love having ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men emphasizes the importance of attentive and empathetic listening as a fundamental aspect of love. It conveys the notion that love involves not only acknowledging the pain and hardships of others but also actively listening to their experiences, concerns, and emotions. This aspect of love underscores the value of compassionate communication and the role of attentive listening in fostering genuine connections and understanding.

In summary, Saint Augustine's quote offers a profound insight into the nature of love as a dynamic and outwardly expressed force that is characterized by empathy, action, and attentiveness to the needs of others. By portraying love as having hands, feet, eyes, and ears, he encapsulates the multifaceted nature of love as a transformative and compassionate energy that is actively engaged with the welfare and well-being of humanity. This perspective serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact of love when it is embodied through tangible acts of kindness, social awareness, and empathetic understanding.