What is True Charity?

True charity consists in bearing with all the defects of our neighbor, in not being surprised at his failings, and in being edified by his least virtues.  Charity must not remain shut up in the depths of the heart, for "no man lights a candle and puts it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house (Mt 5:15)."

It seems to me that this candle represents the charity which ought to enlighten and make joyful, not only those who are dearest to me, but "all who are in the house."


Saint Therese of the Child Jesus
Story of a Soul, Chapter IX