Skip to content

Thus, to serve one another through love, that is to…

“Thus, to serve one another through love, that is to instruct him that goeth astray, to comfort the afflicted, to raise up the weak, to help thy neighbour, to bear his infirmities, to endure troubles, labours, ingratitude in the Church, and in civil life to obey the magistrates, to give honour to…” quote by Martin Luther
Download Open image
““Thus, to serve one another through love, that is to instruct him that goeth astray, to comfort the afflicted, to raise up the weak, to help thy neighbour, to bear his infirmities, to endure troubles, labours, ingratitude in the Church, and in civil life to obey the magistrates, to give honour to parents, to be patient at home with a froward wife, and an unruly family; these and such like, are works which reason judgeth to be on no value. But, indeed, they are such works, that the whole world is not able to comprehend the excellency and worthiness thererof, for it doth not measure things by the word of God, yea, it knoweth not the value of any of the least good works, which are good works indeed.””

Martin Luther

About This Quote

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

He argues that good deeds, while valuable, cannot earn salvation; true worth comes from divine grace, not human effort.

In simple terms: Good works alone don't save; grace does.

Key Takeaway

Embrace faith over mere actions.

Themes

theology ethics grace

Mood

thoughtful spiritual instructive

Type

didactic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • church teachings
  • personal prayer
  • community service
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

Salvation human effort divine mercy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does grace influence moral choices?
  • Can good works reflect inner faith?
A Different Perspective

Neglects the importance of moral behavior in society.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Martin Luther

Explore all 1,292 Martin Luther quotes

More Honour quotes

Browse all 1,096 Honour quotes