Charity is not a potency of the soul, because if it were…
“Charity is not a potency of the soul, because if it were it would be natural. Nor is it a passion, because it is not in a sensitive potency in which are all passions. Nor is it a habit, because a habit is removed with difficulty; charity, however, is easily lost through one act of mortal sin. Therefore charity is not something created in the soul.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Charity is not an innate power, emotion, or habit of the soul; it is a virtue that can be lost through grave sin.
In simple terms: Charity isn’t natural or emotional; it can be lost by serious sin.
Key Takeaway
Guard against actions that undermine love.
Themes
virtue
theology
morality
Mood
reflective
solemn
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- prayer life
- confession
- ethical decision making
- counseling
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
spirituality
ethical theory
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect your capacity for love?
- What practices sustain charity in daily life?
A Different Perspective
Charity can be cultivated but also easily diminished, requiring continual vigilance.