The soul slowly understands what humility of heart means. It does not feel crushed or broken, but it is overwhelmed by a “sense” of its sinner condition, of its capacity for evil, and the thin thread that separates it from God, whose “power is at its best in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). It is no longer discouraged by its tendencies towards sin; it is more surprised at what it does not do, and implores the grace of God to ever stay in His favor. Its striving for perfection becomes more interior, and with the effort to overcome exterior faults it tries to improve its motives. It strives to be gentle
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