Text size
Excerpt
One of the best uses we can make of gentleness is to apply it to ourselves. Let us never be vexed with ourselves, nor with our imperfections; for although reason requires that, when we commit faults, we should be contrite and displeased, yet we must avoid feeling a bitter, sorrowful, vexed, and violent grief for them.
Source Introduction to the Devout Life, Chapter ix (54), §1 · 📖 Read the full passage
✨ To meditate on today
According to Saint Francis de Sales, gentleness is not only for others: we must also apply it to ourselves, and regret our faults calmly, without anger or bitterness against ourselves. Today, when you catch yourself blaming yourself for a mistake, speak to yourself as you would to a friend: acknowledge it peacefully, then start again.
Receive a lesson of this teaching every day by email or Telegram
Subscribe for free →