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When a man is in God's grace and free from mortal sin…

“When a man is in God's grace and free from mortal sin, then everything that he does, so long as there is no sin in it, gives God glory and what does not give him glory has some, however little, sin in it. It is not only prayer that gives God glory but work. Smiting on an anvil, sawing a beam…” quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
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“When a man is in God's grace and free from mortal sin, then everything that he does, so long as there is no sin in it, gives God glory and what does not give him glory has some, however little, sin in it. It is not only prayer that gives God glory but work. Smiting on an anvil, sawing a beam, whitewashing a wall, driving horses, sweeping, scouring, everything gives God some glory if being in his grace you do it as your duty.”

Gerard Manley Hopkins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Graceful work, even mundane, honors the divine; any task done in God's grace, without sin, reflects glory.

In simple terms: Every honest effort honors God.

Key Takeaway

Do all work with reverence.

Themes

faith work grace spirituality

Mood

reflective devotional

Type

spiritual motivational

When to use this quote

  • daily chores
  • craftsmanship
  • volunteering
  • professional tasks

Key Concepts

theology duty sanctification

Questions to Reflect On

  • What everyday task can you offer as worship?
  • How does intention shape the value of work?
A Different Perspective

Not all actions are equally visible in spiritual impact.

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