Let us not make the poor our friends by our alms, not our enemies by our scorns. We had better have the ears of God full of their prayers, than heaps of money in our own coffers with their curses.
Thomas AdamsRead
No man more truly loves God than he that is most fearful to offend Him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True love for God involves a deep respect and fear of offending Him.
This quote suggests that the depth of one's love for God is demonstrated by the caution and reverence they show in their actions. It implies that a sincere believer is motivated by love to avoid any actions that would displease God, expressing a relationship that is not only filled with affection but also with a profound sense of responsibility and sensitivity to divine principles.
Themes
LoveFearGodRespectOffendBelief
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon on the importance of living a moral life, this quote emphasizes how love for God translates into our choices.
More from Thomas Adams
All quotes βThe hypocrite, certainly, is a secret atheist; for if he did believe there was a God, he durst not be so bold as to deceive Him to His face.
Thomas AdamsRead
Plan the town, if you like; but in doing it do not forget that you have got to spread the people. Make wider roads, but do not narrow the tenements behind. Dignify the city by all means, but not at the expense of the health of the home and the family life and the comfort of the average workman and citizen.
Thomas AdamsRead
Both in thy private sessions, and the universal assizes, thou shalt be sure of the same Judge, the same jury, the same witnesses, the same verdict. How certain thou art to die, thou knowest; how soon to die, thou knowest not. Measure not thy life with the longest; that were to piece it out with flattery. Thou canst name no living man, not the sickest, which thou art sure shall die before thee.
Thomas AdamsRead
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Love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can't stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they'll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That's love, you see. It is redemptive.
Martin Luther King, Jr.Read