Failure Quote by Scot McKnight
““Laubach had an experience while praying on Signal Hill behind his home in Lanao, where he was ministering to the Moros people. Experiencing total failure at the hands of a people who had no place for the gospel, he cried to the Father, “What can I do for hateful people like these: murderers, thieves, dirty filthy betel nut chewers—our enemies?” God answered him. My lips began to move and it seemed to me that God was speaking. “My child,” my lips said, “you have failed because you do not really love these Moros. You feel superior to them because you are white. If you can forget you are an American and think only how I love them, they will respond.””
About This Quote
A missionary realizes that genuine love and humility, not superiority, are needed to connect with people who reject his message.
In simple terms: Love and humility are needed to reach those who reject you.
Key Takeaway
Love without superiority.
Themes
faith
humility
cross‑cultural mission
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- missionary work
- interfaith dialogue
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you love without feeling superior?
- What practices foster humility in outreach?
A Different Perspective
Love alone may not overcome deep cultural wounds.
