Where Love is There God is Also and Bethink Yourselves

“Where Love Is, There God Is Also” and “Bethink Yourselves” are two separate works by the renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy.

Here’s a brief description of each:

“Where Love Is, There God Is Also” (also known as “Where Love Is, There God Is”): This is a short story written by Leo Tolstoy, first published in 1885. The story revolves around a humble cobbler named Martin Avdeitch, who lives a simple life in a small village.

The narrative follows Martin’s spiritual journey and how he finds the presence of God in acts of love and kindness toward his fellow villagers. “Where Love Is, There God Is Also” is a heartwarming and inspirational tale that conveys Tolstoy’s moral and spiritual beliefs.

“Bethink Yourselves”: “Bethink Yourselves” is a non-fiction work by Leo Tolstoy, written in the context of the Russo-Japanese War in 1904. In this essay, Tolstoy urges his fellow Russians to reflect on the ethical and moral consequences of war and violence.

He criticizes the violence, nationalism, and lack of empathy that often accompany war and calls on people to embrace the principles of non-resistance to evil, love for one’s enemies, and living a life of moral integrity. “Bethink Yourselves” reflects Tolstoy’s pacifist and moral philosophy, and it had a significant impact on the pacifist movement worldwide.

Both of these works by Leo Tolstoy reflect his deep concern for morality, spirituality, and the ethical treatment of fellow human beings. “Where Love Is, There God Is Also” is a fictional story that conveys these themes through narrative, while “Bethink Yourselves” is a non-fiction essay in which Tolstoy directly addresses his beliefs on non-violence and living a life in accordance with one’s moral principles.