Lewis Smedes was a renowned theologian, ethicist, and author known for his profound insights on forgiveness, love, and grace. His words have inspired and touched the hearts of many, offering guidance and wisdom in navigating life’s challenges. In this article, we have compiled a collection of Lewis Smedes quotes that will surely leave a lasting impact on your mind and soul.
Through his writings and teachings, Lewis Smedes emphasized the importance of forgiveness as a means of healing and freeing oneself from the burdens of resentment and anger. He believed that forgiveness is not only an act of kindness towards others but also a way to find inner peace and restore relationships. With his profound understanding of human emotions, Smedes offered unique perspectives on the power of forgiveness.
Lewis Smedes also explored the concept of love in his works. He emphasized that love is not just a feeling but an intentional choice we make every day. His quotes on love reflect the depth and beauty of this emotion, reminding us of the transformative power it holds in our lives. Smedes encouraged his readers to embrace love wholeheartedly and to always seek to love and be loved.
Read these Lewis Smedes quotes
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
“Forgiveness is not something we do for other people. It’s something we do for ourselves to move on.”
“When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it.”
“To love means to open ourselves to the negative as well as the positive – to grief, sorrow, and disappointment as well as to joy, fulfillment, and an intensity of consciousness we did not know was possible before.”
“Love is not an easy thing; it is not just a feeling, but a deep commitment of the will and sacrifice of self.”
“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”
“When you forgive, you in no way change the past—but you sure do change the future.”
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
“When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it.”
“Forgiveness is the final form of love.”
“To love is to be ready to be hurt.”
“Love and trust, in the space between what’s said and what’s heard in our life, can make all the difference in the world.”
“To hope is to risk frustration. Therefore, make up your mind to risk frustration.”
“You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.”
“Love is a commitment that will be tested in the most vulnerable areas of spirituality, a commitment that will force you to make some very difficult choices.”
“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”
“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
“When we forgive evil we do not excuse it, we do not tolerate it, we do not smother it. We look the evil full in the face, call it what it is, let its horror shock and stun and enrage us, and only then do we forgive it.”
“Forgiveness is the final form of love.”
“To love is to be ready to be hurt.”
“Love and trust, in the space between what’s said and what’s heard in our life, can make all the difference in the world.”
These Lewis Smedes quotes offer profound insights into forgiveness, love, and the human experience. They remind us of the power of forgiveness to heal ourselves and others, and the transformative nature of love in our lives. Lewis Smedes’ teachings continue to inspire and guide individuals on their journey towards a more fulfilling and compassionate life.
