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But all the things that God would have us do are hard for…

“But all the things that God would have us do are hard for us to do -- remember that -- and hence, he oftener commands us than endeavors to persuade. And if we obey God, we must disobey ourselves; and it is in this disobeying ourselves, wherein the hardness of obeying God consists.” quote by Herman Melville
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““But all the things that God would have us do are hard for us to do -- remember that -- and hence, he oftener commands us than endeavors to persuade. And if we obey God, we must disobey ourselves; and it is in this disobeying ourselves, wherein the hardness of obeying God consists.””

Herman Melville

About This Quote

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

God’s commands are difficult, requiring obedience that opposes personal desires, creating inner struggle.

In simple terms: Obeying God is hard and conflicts with self‑will.

Key Takeaway

Accept difficulty of divine demands and reflect on personal motives.

Themes

faith obedience inner conflict

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

religious philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal decision‑making
  • ethical dilemmas
  • spiritual practice
  • leadership challenges

Key Concepts

theology human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What personal desires conflict with higher duties?
  • How do you reconcile self‑will with obedience?
A Different Perspective

Human autonomy can also be a source of growth and insight.

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