Evil Quote by John Calvin
““We are accordingly urged by our own evil things to consider the good things of God; and, indeed, we cannot aspire to Him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased with ourselves.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 2, Chapter 12
The quote suggests that recognizing our own sinfulness is necessary before we can genuinely seek God and goodness.
In simple terms: We must be dissatisfied with ourselves before truly pursuing God.
First, confront personal flaws before seeking divine good.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal repentance
- spiritual counseling
- morning meditation
- ethical decision-making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance self-awareness with self-compassion?
- What practices help transform self-displeasure into positive change?
If self-criticism becomes excessive, it may lead to despair rather than growth.