Flatter not thyself in thy faith in God if thou hast not charity for thy neighbor

Flatter not thyself in thy faith in God if thou hast not charity for thy neighbor

Francis Quarles was a 17th-century English poet known for his religious poetry and devotion to God. One of his most famous quotes is, “Flatter not thyself in thy faith in God if thou hast not charity for thy neighbor.” This quote speaks to the importance of not only having faith in God but also showing love and compassion towards others.

In the Christian faith, charity, or love for one's neighbor, is considered one of the most important virtues. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of loving others in the Bible, stating that the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Without charity, faith in God can become empty and meaningless. Quarles understood this concept and believed that true faith in God should be accompanied by acts of kindness and compassion towards others.

Quarles' quote serves as a reminder that faith is not just about believing in God, but also about living out that faith through our actions. It is easy to profess our faith in God, but true faith is demonstrated through our love for others. This love should be genuine and selfless, without any ulterior motives or expectations of reward.