Quotes about Compassion

Forgiveness is the fragrance that is left on the heel that crushed the violet.

My grandmother had a motto that you should never look down on people unless you are helping them up, and I think that's a very spiritual way of living.

Strength and compassion are not mutually exclusive.

Christopher Hitchens

Lament is missional because it keeps the world before God, and it draws God into the world — with the longing that God should act, and the faith that he ultimately will.

my own feelings, which had been quite jubilant on the receipt of his letter, were sad and depressed. I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who had fought so long and valiantly, and had suffered so much for a cause, though that cause was, I believe, one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse

Ignorance of ourselves is another reason for forgiving others. Unfortunately it is ourselves we know least; our neighbor's sins, weaknesses, and failures we know a thousand times better than our own. Criticism of others may be bad, but it is want of self-criticism which is worse.

One day a woman went to the saintly Father John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, in France, and said, "My husband has not been to the sacraments or to Mass for years. He has been unfaithful, wicked, and unjust. He has just fallen from a bridge and was drowned —a double death of body and soul." The Curé answered, "Madam, there is a short distance between the bridge and the water, and it is that distance which forbids you to judge.

And remember, the truth that once was spoken: To love another person is to see the face of God.

What a grand thing, to be loved! What a grander thing still, to love!

If the soul is left in darkness, sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but the one who causes the darkness. (Monseigneur Bienvenu in _Les Miserables_)

God will reward you,' he said. 'You must be an angel since you care for flowers.