Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
It is only by fidelity in little things that the grace of true love to God can be sustained, and distinguished from a passing fervor of spirit. . . . No one can well believe that our piety is sincere, when our behavior is lax and irregular in its little details. What probability is there that we should not hesitate to make the greatest sacrifices, when we shrink from the smallest?
Interpretation
What this quote means
True love for God is demonstrated through faithfulness in small matters and consistency in behavior.
This quote emphasizes the importance of being faithful in the small, everyday details of life as a reflection of true love for God. It suggests that genuine piety cannot coexist with lax behavior in minor aspects, and one’s commitment is revealed not only through grand gestures but also through the smallest acts of faithfulness.
Themes
FaithfulnessLovePietyDetailsSincerity
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about devotion, a pastor might reference this quote to illustrate the importance of being diligent in small acts of love.
More from Francois Fenelon
All quotes →True prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Francois FenelonRead
The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
Francois FenelonRead
How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
Francois FenelonRead
If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois FenelonRead
If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois FenelonRead
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