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.
John Of The CrossRead
Never relax, for you will not attain to the possession of true spiritual delights if first you do not learn to deny your every desire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True spiritual fulfillment requires self-denial and discipline over one's desires.
In this quote, John of the Cross emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. He suggests that in order to experience deeper spiritual delights, individuals must first learn to overcome and deny their immediate desires and temptations, which often distract from a higher purpose and connection to the divine.
Themes
SpiritualitySelf-DenialDisciplineDesireFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a meditation retreat to encourage participants to focus on inner peace over material desires.
More from John Of The Cross
All quotes →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
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
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