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I will not judge a person to be spiritually dead whom I…

“I will not judge a person to be spiritually dead whom I have formerly judged to have had spiritual life, though I see him at present in a swoon as to evidences of the spiritual life. And the reason why I will not judge him so is this - because if you judge a person dead, you neglect him, you leave…” quote by John Owen
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““I will not judge a person to be spiritually dead whom I have formerly judged to have had spiritual life, though I see him at present in a swoon as to evidences of the spiritual life. And the reason why I will not judge him so is this - because if you judge a person dead, you neglect him, you leave him; but if judge him to be in a swoon, though never so dangerous, you use all means for the retrieving of his life.””

John Owen

About This Quote

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

He refuses to label someone spiritually dead, preferring to see them as temporarily unconscious and in for their revival.

In simple terms: Don’t give up on those who seem lost.

Key Takeaway

Seek to help, not abandon.

Themes

compassion spirituality redemption

Mood

empathetic hopeful

Type

pastoral inspirational

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • church ministry
  • personal relationships
  • spiritual mentorship

Key Concepts

theology pastoral care

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you recognize temporary spiritual struggles?
  • What actions can you take to aid someone’s renewal?
A Different Perspective

Assuming spiritual death can prevent offering needed support.

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