The performance of an action is worthless in itself, if it…
““The performance of an action is worthless in itself, if it is not done out of charity. Charity must be our motive; then everything we do, however little and insignificant, bears a rich harvest. After all, what God takes into account is not so much the thing we do, as the love that went to the doing of it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Actions are valuable only when motivated by genuine love and charity, not by self‑interest or external reward.
In simple terms: Charitable motives give meaning to deeds.
Key Takeaway
Act out of love, not for recognition.
Themes
charity
motivation
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- daily chores
- helping friends
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your good deeds?
- How can you cultivate charitable intent?
A Different Perspective
Self‑less service can be hard to sustain without inner conviction.