The root of Christian love is not the will to love, but the faith that one is loved. That faith that one is loved by God. That faith that one is loved by God although unworthy - or, rather, irrespective of one's worth.
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, p.75 - with thanks to Beth
3 comments:
I struggle enough with "unworthiness", so I do appreciate Merton adding "irrespective of one's worth." That eases me, and it's a wonderful quote. Thank you.
I find that whole "unworthiness" thing to be a hindrance to knowing God, and I don't even think (from my own experience and from my own ideas at this point in the journey of who God is) that he even desires any of that stuff. It gets in the way of us accepting his love, walking in it, seing all the delights he has in store for us, if we are busy going about blathering on about how pathetic we are, dontchareckon?
I love this quote. THanks for posting
Depends how you read it, Sue, as far as I can see. Unworthier than other people? Invidious comparison... Unworthy of that much love, that faithfulness, that God gives - oh, yes, of course! How little I really do love, how flimsy my promises. But that's just me... and it does me good to know that God doesn't love me less for being so little!
Blessings
Mike
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