From Fear to Love

“The beginning” of our salvation, and its safeguard, is, as I said, “the fear of the Lord.” Through it those who are trained in the way of perfection can make a start in conversion, and gain cleansing from vices and security in virtue. When it has found its way into a person’s heart, it produces contempt for all things and gives birth to forgetfulness of relatives and a horror of the world itself. And through contempt for the loss of all possessions, humility is gained. [a]

Humility is shown by these signs. First, if a man has put all his desires to death. Second, if he hides none of his actions, or even of his thoughts, from his superior. Third, if he puts no trust in his own opinion but all of it in his superior’s judgment, and listens eagerly and willingly to his directions. Fourth, if he keeps obedience, gentleness and constant patience in everything. Fifth, if he not only hurts no one else but also is not annoyed or upset by wrongs done to himself. Sixth, if he does nothing and ventures on nothing that the common rule or the example of our elders does not urge him to. Seventh, if he is content with the lowest possible place, and in everything assigned to him considers himself a bad and unworthy workman. Eighth, if he not only declares outwardly with his lips that he is inferior to all, but truly believes it in the inmost thoughts of his heart. Ninth, if he governs his tongue and is not overtalkative. Tenth, if he is not easily moved or too ready to laugh. By such signs and the like, true humility is recognized.

Once this has been truly secured, it at once leads you on, by a still higher step, to the love that knows no fear. Through this love you begin, without any effort and as if by nature, to keep everything that you formerly kept not without fear of punishment, no longer out of regard for punishment or fear of it, but out of love of goodness itself and delight in virtue.