The true Christian is like sandalwood, which imparts its fragrance to the axe which cuts it, without doing any harm in return.
Sadhu Sundar SinghRead
Many people despise those who spend their health, strength and money for the salvation of others, and call them mad. And yet it is they who will save many and be saved themselves.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the misunderstood value of selfless sacrifice for the benefit of others.
Sadhu Sundar Singh reflects on the societal tendency to criticize those who sacrifice their resources and well-being for the sake of others. He suggests that while such individuals may be deemed foolish or mad by the majority, their selfless actions ultimately lead to greater good, benefiting both themselves and those they aid. This speaks to the intrinsic value of altruism and the misconception surrounding its merit.
Themes
SelflessnessSacrificeAltruismServiceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a charity event, you might use this quote to inspire volunteers.
More from Sadhu Sundar Singh
All quotes →During an earthquake it sometimes happens that fresh springs break out in dry places which water and quicken the land so that plants can grow. In the same way the shattering experiences of suffering can cause the living water to well up in a human heart.
Sadhu Sundar SinghRead
Some people become tired at the end of ten minutes or half an hour of prayer. What will they do when they have to spend Eternity in the presence of God? We must begin the habit here and become used to being with God.
Sadhu Sundar SinghRead
Perhaps the greatest barrier to revival on a large scale is the fact that we are to interested in a great display. We want an exhibition; God is looking for a man who will throw himself entirely on God. Whenever self-effort, self-glory, self-seeking or self-promotion enters into the work of revival, then God leaves us to ourselves.
Sadhu Sundar SinghRead
Salt, when dissolved in water, may disappear, but it does not cease to exist. We can be sure of its presence by tasting the water. Likewise, the indwelling Christ, though unseen, will be made evident to others from the love which he imparts to us.
Sadhu Sundar SinghRead
A newborn child has to cry, for only in this way will his lungs expand. A doctor once told me of a child who could not breathe when it was born. In order to make it breathe the doctor gave it a slight blow. The mother must have thought the doctor cruel. But he was really doing the kindest thing possible. As with newborn children the lungs are contracted, so are our spiritual lungs. But through suffering God strikes us in love. Then our lungs expand and we can breathe and pray.
Sadhu Sundar SinghRead
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