Acceptance Quote by Robert Farrar Capon
“Lord, please restore to us the comfort of merit and demerit. Show us that there is at least something we can do. Tell us that at the end of the day there will at least be one redeeming card of our very own. Lord, if it is not too much to ask, send us to bed with a few shreds of self-respect upon which we can congratulate ourselves. But whatever you do, do not preach grace. Give us something to do, anything; but spare us the indignity of this indiscriminate acceptance.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Gift of Work, 1992
A prayer for dignity through effort, asking for purpose rather than passive grace, and rejecting empty acceptance.
In simple terms: Seek active purpose and self‑respect, not just passive forgiveness.
Key Takeaway
Find work that restores self‑esteem and avoids hollow acceptance.
Themes
dignity
work
self‑respect
faith
rejection of passive grace
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
spiritual
practical
When to use this quote
- job search
- volunteering
- personal development
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions give you a sense of worth?
- How can you balance effort with grace?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on effort may cause burnout without balance.
