Being and Doing – 27 August – Finding Fault

HE POINTED out that while in truth those who are in authority have a solemn duty to perform in correcting evil, still it is equally a duty to administer all such corrections so lovingly, and with so simple a desire for God’s glory and the real good of the person corrected, as to take away the sting of reproof.   He went so far as to say that it is better to withhold a deserved rebuke than to administer it ungraciously, and that judicious silence was far preferable to the truth roughly told. ‘You will catch more flies with a spoonful of honey than with a whole barrel of vinegar,’ he used to say.

From Life of S. Francis de Sales

EVEN a punishment may become unjust unless it is administered in the spirit of love.

JEAN INGELOW

TO SPEAK the truth in love,’ to reprove wisely and tenderly, is a lesson which it may take a lifetime to learn;  but it must be striven after if we would keep the balance true between wisdom and feeling.   Let us not have sympathy at the expense of sound practical common sense, or we shall do more harm than good.

ELLICE HOPKINS

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These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.