"In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England. I did not then see what is now the most shining and obvious thing; the Divine humility which will accept a convert even on such terms. The Prodigal Son at least walked home on his own feet. But who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance of escape? The words compelle intrare, compel them to come in, have been so abused by wicked men that we shudder at them; but, properly understood, they plumb the depth of the Divine mercy. The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation."
~C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy~
That'll preach. Lewis had such a way with words: elevated & insightful enough to make me contemplate, yet empathetic enough to make me feel understood. I really appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote, babe.
Great comment, babe. So true. <3
DeleteEven just this nugget - "The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of man." That's enough to chew on for hours...
ReplyDeleteRight?!
Delete