The true secret of giving advice is, after you have honestly given it, to be perfectly indifferent whether it is taken or not, and never persist in trying to set people right.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
The glory of Christianity is to conquer by forgiveness. It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Forgiveness is a powerful virtue that triumphs over conflict, even in challenging relationships.
Henry Ward Beecher emphasizes the profound strength of Christianity in promoting forgiveness, suggesting that true glory lies in resolving conflicts through this moral act. He also highlights the paradox of forgiveness, noting that it can often be more difficult to forgive those we are close to, such as friends, than to forgive those who may harm us from a distance.
Themes
ForgivenessChristianityStrengthRelationshipsPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the power of forgiveness in faith.
More from Henry Ward Beecher
All quotes βA man who cannot get angry is like a stream that cannot overflow, that is always turbid. Sometimes indignation is as good as a thunderstorm in summer, clearing and cooling the air.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
No one can deal with the hearts of men unless he has the sympathy which is given by love.
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We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things.
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No man can tell if he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
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