Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing.
John Of The CrossRead
A Christian should always remember that the value of his good works is not based on their number and excellence, but on the love of God which prompts him to do these things.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The true worth of good deeds lies in the motivation behind them, specifically the love of God.
This quote emphasizes that a Christian's good works are not judged by their quantity or quality but by the intention driven by love for God. It suggests that the purity of one's heart and the motivation to perform good deeds is what truly counts, highlighting the importance of spiritual values over mere action.
Themes
Good WorksLove Of GodMotivationIntentionDeeds
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon, a pastor might quote this to encourage congregants to focus on their intentions.
More from John Of The Cross
All quotes →In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened and instructed.
John Of The CrossRead
Abide in peace, banish cares, take no account of all that happens, and you will serve God according to his good pleasure and rest in him.
John Of The CrossRead
To reach satisfaction in all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire its possession in nothing,_x000D_ _x000D_ To come to the knowledge of all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire the knowledge of nothing._x000D_ _x000D_ To come to possess all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire the possession of nothing._x000D_ _x000D_ To arrive at being all_x000D_ _x000D_ desire to be nothing.
John Of The CrossRead
Where there is no love, pour love in, and you will draw love out.
John Of The CrossRead
In the inner stillness where meditation leads, the Spirit secretly anoints the soul and heals our deepest wounds.
John Of The CrossRead
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