"A brotherly person rejoices on my account when he approves me, but when he disapproves, he is loving me. To such people I will reveal myself. They will take heart from my good traits, and sigh with sadness at my bad ones. My good points are instilled by you and are your gifts. My bad points are my faults and your judgements on them. Let them take heart from the one and regret the other. Let both praise and tears ascend in your sight from brotherly hearts, your censers. ...But you Lord...Make perfect my imperfections."

4 likes

Source: Augustine, R. W. Dyson (1998). “Augustine: The City of God Against the Pagans”, p.148, Cambridge University Press

About the author

Saint Augustine

Theologian, Philosopher

Saint Augustine was a theologian and philosopher whose works, particularly 'Confessions,' profoundly influenced Christian thought and Western philosophy.

All quotes by Saint Augustine →

Same author

More quotes by Saint Augustine

See all →
Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher

"A Christian is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps."

Read quote