But now I realise that true charity consists in putting up…
““But now I realise that true charity consists in putting up with all one’s neighbour’s faults, never being surprised by his weakness, and being inspired by the least of his virtues . . . When God, under the old law, told His people to love their neighbours as themselves, He had not yet come down to earth. As He knew how much we love ourselves, He could not ask us to do more. But when Jesus gave His apostles a “new commandment, His own commandment,” He did not ask only that we should love our neighbours as ourselves but that we should love them as He loves them and as He will love them to the end of time. O Jesus, I know You command nothing that is impossible. You know how weak and imperfect I am, and You know only too well that I could never love the other nuns as You love them if You Yourself did not love them within me.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True charity means accepting others’ flaws, not being shocked by weakness, and being moved by their smallest virtues, loving as God loves.
In simple terms: Accept others fully, love them as God does.
Key Takeaway
Practice unconditional love.
Themes
charity
acceptance
spirituality
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- community living
- caregiving
- spiritual practice
- interpersonal relationships
Key Concepts
theology
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice love beyond your limits?
- What small virtue can you celebrate today?
A Different Perspective
Human frailty may limit our ability to love perfectly.