"There are often bound to us, in the closest intimacy of social or family ties, natures hard and ungenial, with whom sympathy is impossible, and whose daily presence necessitates a constant conflict with an adverse influence. ...Our Lord, going before us in this hard way, showed us how we should walk. ...Can we in silent offices of love wash their feet as our Master washed the feet of Judas? And, if we have no real enemies, are there any bound to us in the relations of life whose habits and ways are annoying and distatseful to us? Can we bear with them in love? Can we avoid harsh judgements, and harsh sppech, and the making known to others our annoyance? The examination will probably teach us to feel the infinite distance between us and our divine Ideal, and change censoriousness of others into prayer..."
-- Harriet Beecher Stowe Joy and Strength, 86
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