We should not fret at our own imperfections.
One of the best exercises of kindness we can perform is to show kindness to ourselves.
We should not fret at our own imperfections. Though reason requires that we should be sorry when we commit any fault, yet we must refrain from that bitter, gloomy, spiteful, and passionate displeasure of which many are often guilty when, being overcome by anger, they are angry at having been angry, and vexed to see themselves vexed.
For this reason, they keep their heart perpetually steeped in passion, and though it seems as if the second anger destroyed the first, it serves, nevertheless, to open a passage for fresh anger on the next occasion which presents itself.
Besides, this anger and vexation against ourselves tend to pride, and they flow from no other source than self-love, which is troubled and agitated to see itself imperfect. Believe me, as the mild and affectionate reproofs of a father have far greater power to reclaim his child than rage and passion, so it is with us when we have committed any fault.
If we reproach our heart with mild and calm remonstrances, having more compassion for it than passion against it, sweetly encouraging it to amendment, the repentance it shall conceive by this means will sink much deeper.
It will be penetrated much more effectually by this means than by a fretful, injurious, and stormy repentance…
[image: Cosmos flower by ©Beth Scott, Madonna House]
