When a person wants to grow in his ahavas Yisrael, there are a number of practical ideas regarding how to begin. The simplest eitzah is found in Maseches Derech Eretz Zuta (Perek 2): If you want to merit more ahavas chaverim, do actions for his good. Begin acting on your fellow’s behalf. Even if you don’t love him yet, begin doing for him. Dedicate yourself to his welfare, express concern for him. The fact is that actions affect the heart. It never remains a dry action, but an emotional connection is formed. And when this happens, the love begins to blossom.
The reason for this is that פעולותיו כפי נפעל אדם, a person is affected in accordance with his actions. His attitude and feelings are changed as a result of the things that he does. And the truth is even deeper: In truth, there is a burning love toward another Yid inside every Yiddishe heart—but something is required in order to awaken the neshamah and cause the love to come forth. But as soon as a person suppresses his hubris and pushes away the separations, the love automatically comes forth and begins to shine brightly.
