In 1 John 3:23 the apostle writes: “And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another…”

Catherine of Siena was a well-known Christian from the 1300’s. She lived in Italy. She became known for her extreme devotion to God and her unyielding love for others. 

Early in her life she said she had a vision from God. It was about the importance of keeping the greatest commandment to love God and others. Her biographer used these poetic words to describe it: “You must walk, in fact, with both feet, not one, and with two wings fly to heaven!”*

The imagery suggests that if we love God but not others it is as if we are not using both of our feet to walk. In that scenario we would be lop-sided. The imagery also suggests that doing one but not the other (i.e. loving God but not other people, or loving people but not God) is like a bird who refuses to use both wings. 

The point is clear. With the help of God’s Spirit, we should strive to do both. 

Many people have an inclination towards one or the other. Some people have a deep devotional life, but shy away from showing love toward others. Others show great kindness, but neglect spiritual practices that draw them closer to God and root them in his will. 

Which one are you? 

Let’s strive for balance. Let’s love God and others, and with both wings, fly to heaven.

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Notes:

–A request: I’m looking for individuals who could give one-time support of $25, $50 or $100 to help with upgrades and the expanding reach of this devotional and my podcast. Click here to learn more. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unstable, the people of God need not fear, worry or give up. With thanks! 

-*Raymond of Capua, The Life of St. Catherine of Siena, trans. George Lamb (Charlotte: TAN Books, 1960), 89. 

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on April 27, 2026.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.