5 life-changing quotes from St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales is known as “The Gentleman Saint” because of his spirit of hope, trust in God’s love and providence, and optimism. His writings were both for the clergy and the laity. They focused on God’s love and forgiveness, repentance, hope, freedom, and positiveness. He was Bishop of Geneva, has been named a Doctor of the Church, and was a prominent figure in the Counter-Reformation. Out of the many of his quotes and teachings, there are five that I love and believe, if applied to our life, can be powerful. 

1.) Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself

2.) Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections

3.) Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off

4.) Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset

5.) The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them

It is often said that “patience is a virtue”. Patience is more than a virtue. It is a gem that reflects the light of Christ in our life, but also a mirror that bounces the image of God back at us. St. Francis de Sales understood that if we are to live a life in the bountiful presence of the Lord then we are to be patient as we grow in His grace. As a child learns to walk, he struggles to find balance and stability. Yet, he continues in a resolve to walk, run, leap, and play. As his legs grow stronger and time brings more practice, his balance increases and soon he is dancing in the rain. His patience in learning and growing allows him to have a more bountiful and joyful life.

Patience provides us the opportunity to have a deeper life and stronger walk with the Lord. It is not our timing that we must desire, but in His timing. It is in God’s timing that things always work together for the best. When we begin to have patience with ourselves then we can direct that patience onto others around us. It will create beautiful friendships and relationships that will last forever. It also places us on a hill where we are the light to the world and shine the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Christ to all around us.

When we understand that everything is according to God’s timing and not our own then it allows us to fill the well of our heart with an abundance of God’s peace. The Lord’s peace transfers to all aspects of life. It is patience which leads to peace and peace cements beautiful relationships that allow us to make a positive difference in the world around us for the glory of God. St. Francis de Sales understood the connection and power between patience and peace. We would do well to do the same.