Confessions of St. Augustine of Hippo (Extract from book 1)

St. Augustine of Hippo wrote 13 books titled Confessions in the latter part of the 4th Century AD. These books contain stories of his life including his thoughts/teachings about God, life and scripture.
Here is a little excerpt from book 1...


What art Thou then, my God? what, but the Lord God? For who is
Lord but the Lord? or who is God besides our God?

Most highest, most good, most potent, most omnipotent; most merciful,
yet most just; most hidden, yet most present; most beautiful, yet most
strong, stable, yet incomprehensible; unchangeable, yet all changing;
never new, never old; all-renewing, and bringing age
upon the proud, and they know it not; ever working, ever at rest;
still gathering, yet nothing lacking; supporting, filling, and overspreading;
creating, nourishing, and maturing; seeking, yet having
all things.

Thou lovest, without passion; art jealous,
without anxiety; repentest, yet grievest not; art angry, yet serene; Thou
changest Thy ways, leaving Thy plans unchanged;
receivest again what Thou findest, yet didst never lose; never in need, yet rejoicing in gains; never covetous, yet exacting usury.
Thou receivest over and above, that Thou mayest owe;
yet who can possess anything at all which is not already Thine,
Thou payest debts, owing nothing; remittest debts, losing nothing.

And what had I now said, my God, my life, my holy joy?
or what saith any man when he speaks of Thee? Yet woe to him
that speaketh not, since mute are even the most eloquent.


St. Augustine of Hippo, Book 1: Chapter 4. 397-398AD

what is greatness?

to be humble and to serve one another in love, an unconditional love...

a love that sacrifices self above agenda, wealth and desires

a love that gives and does not expect to receive

a love that chooses mercy and forgiveness over anger and bitterness

a love that fights for what is right and just rather than allowing evil to reign

a love that cares when no one else will pay attention

a love that is quick to listen and slow to speak

a love that is patient and never gives up

a love that endures the hard times instead of walking away

a love that shows kindness even when it is not deserved

a love that practices self control when faced with temptation

a love that is faithful

a love that is full of grace

a love that shows no division of favour

a love that accepts

a love without hypocrisy

a love that inspires and a love that hopes



"the greatest among you must be a servant"



"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."



LOVE NEVER FAILS