We may, indeed, be sure that perfect chastity—like perfect…
““We may, indeed, be sure that perfect chastity—like perfect charity—will not be attained by any merely human efforts. You must ask for God’s help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again. For however important chastity (or courage, or truthfulness, or any other virtue) may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul which are more important still. It cures our illusions about ourselves and teaches us to depend on God.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human effort alone cannot achieve perfect virtue; divine help and perseverance are essential, teaching humility and reliance on God.
In simple terms: We need God’s help and persistence for true virtue.
Key Takeaway
Seek divine aid, keep trying.
Themes
faith
humility
perseverance
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
spiritual
advice
When to use this quote
- prayer
- ethical decision making
- overcoming failure
Key Concepts
theology
spiritual growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle repeated failure?
- What role does humility play in your growth?
A Different Perspective
May not resonate with non‑theistic perspectives.