If we endure all things patiently and with gladness, thinking on the sufferings of our Blessed Lord, and bearing all for the love of Him: herein is perfect joy.
Let us also love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us have charity and humility. Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin. Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give. For these they will receive from the Lord the reward and recompense they deserve.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of loving others and being charitable, as these acts enrich the soul and lead to spiritual rewards.
In this quote, Francis of Assisi highlights the significance of love, charity, and humility in our interactions with others. He encourages us to treat our neighbors with the same love we have for ourselves and emphasizes that while material possessions may be left behind in this world, the virtues of charity and kindness are what truly matter and carry us into the afterlife, promising us rewards from the Lord for such righteous acts.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a community event, one might cite this quote to encourage participants to donate to charity.
More from Francis Of Assisi
All quotes →Jesus is happy to come with us, as truth is happy to be spoken, as life to be lived, as light to be lit, as love is to be loved, as joy to be given, as peace to be spread.
Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.
By the anxieties and worries of this life Satan tries to dull man's heart and make a dwelling for himself there.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens, you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.
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That love of self, which the world advocates, is a thousand times more dangerous than any poison.
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she shall scant show well that now shows best.
I am, as ever, a poor sinner, a captive of eternal love, running by the side of His triumphal chariot, and I have no desire to be anything else as long as I live.
I am happier when I love than when I am loved. I adore my husband, my son, my grandchildren, my mother, my dog, and frankly, I don't know if they even like me. But who cares? Loving them is my joy.