A good man is willing to know the worst of himself, and particularly under affliction, desires to be told wherefore God contends with him and what God designs in correcting him.
Matthew HenryRead
What God requires of us he himself works in us, or it is not done. He that commands faith, holiness, and love, creates them by the power of his grace going along with his word, that he may have all the praise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that true faith and virtue come from divine influence rather than human effort alone.
Matthew Henry emphasizes that the qualities of faith, holiness, and love are not merely human endeavors but rather gifts bestowed by God's grace. The quote reflects the idea that it is God who inspires and empowers individuals to live righteously, thus ensuring that all credit and praise are directed towards Him. This perspective highlights the importance of divine intervention in achieving spiritual growth and moral integrity.
Themes
GraceFaithHolinessLoveDivineSpiritualityPraise
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote at a church sermon to emphasize the role of divine grace in our lives.
More from Matthew Henry
All quotes →There is a burden of care in getting riches; fear in keeping them; temptation in using them; guilt in abusing them; sorrow in losing them; and a burden of account at last to be given concerning them.
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To wait on God is to live a life of desire toward Him, delight in Him, dependence on Him, and devotedness to Him.
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Scriptures were written, not to satisfy our curiosity and make us astronomers, but to lead us to God, and make us saints.
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No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness.
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Though we may now think some sins light and little, if the Lord awaken the conscience, we shall feel even the smallest sin heavy upon our souls.
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