שבירה ShevirahXIIShomer Emunim
XXIV of XXXVII←→
XXIVSecond Dialogue 21–24

נקרא שלם בפועלComplete in Act

nikra shalem be-fo'alIn Gamatria ↗

The giver gains nothing; the giving is its nature.

The Ari wrote that God created in order to be complete in all His acts and names. Shaltiel objects: that makes God more complete with a world, against the fourth principle. Yehoyada: the purpose was to do good to another. If giving profited God, He was lacking; if not, why give? There are two kinds of purpose. One acts to gain what one lacks, or one acts from one's nature, like a generous man who gives without seeking thanks. God's perfections were whole before creation. Creatures who receive His good call Him Merciful and Gracious, and so He is 'called' complete. This is divine service: mitzvah and prayer unite the sefirot to receive His good and pass it on. Why not an eternal world? So that we know He made it by will, not as the sun must shine.

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