Susanna Wesley, the mother of the renowned theologian John Wesley, was a woman of immense faith and wisdom. Her life, marked by trials and tribulations, serves as an inspiration to many. Her insightful quotes continue to resonate with those seeking guidance and inspiration in their own personal journeys.
One of her most powerful quotes is, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” In these words, Susanna Wesley encapsulates the essence of a life dedicated to service and love. She reminds us that our actions can have a profound impact, no matter how small they may seem.
Another quote that showcases Susanna’s unwavering faith is, “I am content to fill a little space if God be glorified.” These words remind us that it is not the magnitude of our accomplishments that truly matters, but rather the intention and purpose behind them. Susanna Wesley teaches us to find contentment in our contributions, knowing that they are part of a greater plan.
Susanna Wesley’s quotes serve as a compass, guiding us towards a life of purpose, love, and faith. Her words continue to inspire countless individuals to make a difference in the world, just as she did. As we reflect on her wisdom, let us strive to embrace the principles she espoused and carry them with us in our daily lives.
Faith and Belief
One of the recurring themes in Susanna Wesley’s quotes is the importance of faith and belief. She firmly believed in the power of faith to guide and sustain individuals in their spiritual journey. Here are some inspiring quotes from Susanna Wesley on faith and belief:
- “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
- “Believe in God and trust in Him, for He is faithful and will never leave you.”
- “Have faith in God’s plan for your life, even when things seem uncertain.”
- “Pray with faith and expect God to answer your prayers.”
- “Faith is not something that can be taught, but rather something that is cultivated in the depths of one’s soul.”
Susanna Wesley’s quotes on faith and belief serve as a reminder of the importance of trust and reliance on God. They inspire individuals to hold onto their faith, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Her words encourage perseverance and a deepening of one’s relationship with God.
Parenting and Education
Susanna Wesley’s teachings on parenting and education have continued to inspire and guide generations of parents. She believed that parents have a vital role in shaping their children’s character and upbringing, and that education is a key aspect of this process. Here are a few quotes from Susanna Wesley that highlight her views on parenting and education:
“The parent who endeavors to train up a child in the way he should go, needs to be ‘diligent’ not ‘hasty’ or ‘negligent’; diligent in gaining all needful information concerning the various dispositions of children, their natural tempers, and peculiar weaknesses and strengths, that he may be able to adapt all his instructions and admonitions to their respective capacities.”
“Children may be taught anything for a bauble or a gingerbread; but to bring them to act from a sense of duty is the great work of a parent.”
“It is impossible to govern a family well without a knowledge of constitution of the members; the dispositions and natural tempers of all are not only different, but often directly contrary to each other, and must therefore be differently managed, or rather, should be treated according to their respective natural and acquired dispositions.”
“The duties of parents are to instruct, provide for, and watch over their children.”Susanna Wesley believed in giving children a well-rounded education, not just focused on academics, but also on moral values and character development. She emphasized the importance of teaching children to think for themselves and to make wise decisions. She believed that education should instill a love for learning and encourage children to explore their interests.
“Teach your children to think and to reflect upon every thing they read, and never to take any thing upon trust without good reason; so that they may reject error, and follow truth, through whatever difficulties and opposition it may lead them.”
“Whatever change of fortune befalls you, carry a thankful heart and a satisfied mind; make the best of what you have, and God will in his due time give you something better.”
Susanna Wesley’s teachings on parenting and education serve as timeless reminders that the foundation laid in childhood has a profound impact on the person a child becomes. Her wisdom and insights continue to inspire parents around the world to this day.
Perseverance and Endurance
Perseverance and endurance are two qualities that Susanna Wesley, the mother of John Wesley, exemplified throughout her life. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships, she never gave up and always found the strength to keep going.
Susanna Wesley once said:
“I am content with this little offering of fruit to God. I have no greater talent, but I can say ‘I am Thine, save me’.”
This quote highlights Susanna’s perseverance in her faith and her dedication to serving God. Despite her limitations and the difficulties she faced, she remained steadfast in her commitment to living a life of devotion and surrender.
Perseverance and endurance were not just present in Susanna’s spiritual journey, but also in her role as a mother. She had 19 children, and she faced many challenges in raising them. Yet, she persevered and tirelessly imparted her wisdom and values to each of them.
Another quote from Susanna Wesley reflects her determination and endurance:
“I have often thought that the best Christians are found in the worst of times.”
These words highlight Susanna’s belief that in difficult times, our true character and faith are tested and revealed. She understood the importance of enduring through hardships and believed that it was during these challenging moments that one’s faith could truly shine.
Susanna Wesley serves as an inspiration to us all to persevere and endure, no matter the obstacles we may face. Her words remind us of the strength and resilience that can be found within us, and the importance of staying steadfast in our faith.
Prayer and Devotion
Prayer was a central part of Susanna Wesley’s life. She believed in the power of prayer and its ability to bring about change. She once said, “Prayer is the best means to find out a right way of proceeding and to obtain strength and courage to follow it.”
Wesley practiced daily devotion, setting aside time each day to spend in prayer and reflection. She set an example for her children, teaching them the importance of prioritizing prayer and seeking God’s guidance in their lives.
Wesley believed that prayer was not just a one-way conversation with God, but a two-way dialogue. She encouraged her children to listen for God’s voice and to be attentive to his promptings. She once wrote, “Attend continually to the voice of God, that you may know what he requires of you, and follow him fully.”
In addition to personal prayer, Wesley also valued corporate prayer. She believed in the power of coming together as a community to pray for one another and for the needs of the world. She taught her children to participate in public worship and to pray for their neighbors and those in authority.
Susanna Wesley’s commitment to prayer and devotion serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on his strength. Her words and example continue to encourage and uplift those who strive to cultivate a life of prayer and devotion.
God’s Mercy and Grace
One of the powerful themes in Susanna Wesley’s writings and teachings is the concept of God’s mercy and grace. She emphasized the profound love and compassion that God has for His creation, regardless of their flaws and mistakes. In her words, she beautifully captured the essence of God’s mercy and grace:
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“The mercy of God is like a river, always flowing, always abounding, always accessible. It is a river that cleanses, heals, and restores. No matter how deep our sins, God’s mercy is deeper still.” |
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“God’s grace is like a beacon of light in the darkness, always guiding us back to Him. It is a grace that forgives, redeems, and transforms. No matter how far we have strayed, God’s grace is always there, ready to welcome us home.” |
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“We may stumble and fall, but God’s mercy and grace are always there to lift us up and set us back on the right path. It is through His mercy and grace that we find strength, healing, and redemption.” |
Susanna Wesley believed that God’s mercy and grace were not limited by human shortcomings or past mistakes. She taught that we should never doubt or underestimate the extent of God’s love for us. His mercy and grace are boundless, available to all who seek His forgiveness and redemption.
As we reflect on Susanna Wesley’s teachings, let us remember the profound truth of God’s mercy and grace. May we find comfort, hope, and inspiration in the knowledge that no matter what we have done or where we have been, God’s mercy and grace are always within our reach.
Wisdom and Knowledge
Susanna Wesley’s quotes reflect her deep wisdom and knowledge on various aspects of life. Here are a few of her inspiring words that highlight her understanding and insights:
“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
“Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish of spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem in itself.”
“I judge not any man’s nature of mind, his principles or rules of life; but I left him a distinct truth that eternal truth cannot be discovered or known by natural reason, nor be proved to be true by any strength and force of natural reason; that it comes wholly and solely from divine nature, calling it natural and light of grace.”
“Where shall we find greater weakness joined with such great learning than among your side of men?”
“You may think this part is weakening the body; so it is; but better to weaken the body than to feed the lawless appetites, and to occasion sin against God.”
“Learn how to be happy with less than you think you need.”
These insightful quotes demonstrate Susanna Wesley’s depth of wisdom and knowledge, offering valuable guidance and inspiration for individuals seeking to attain a greater understanding of life and virtue.
Love and Compassion
Susanna Wesley’s quotes are filled with love and compassion, reflecting her deep faith and dedication to God. She believed in loving others unconditionally and treating them with kindness, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can.”
This quote demonstrates Susanna Wesley’s belief in the power of love and the importance of showing kindness to all people. She encourages us to go out of our way to help others and make a positive impact in their lives.
“Compassion is the basis of all morality.”
In this quote, Susanna Wesley emphasizes the significance of compassion as the foundation of moral behavior. She believed that true morality stems from a compassionate heart that seeks to understand and alleviate the suffering of others.
“Love is the strongest bond that can hold a family together.”
Susanna Wesley believed in the power of love to strengthen familial relationships. She recognized that love was essential for creating a thriving and harmonious family unit, where each individual feels valued, supported, and cared for.
“Love is a fruit in season at all times and within the reach of every hand.”
In this quote, Susanna Wesley reminds us that love is not limited by time or circumstance. Love is always available to us, and we have the ability to express it to others through our words and actions.
“If you want to know God’s heart, find it in the overflow of His love toward others.”
Susanna Wesley understood that to truly understand God’s heart, we must observe and embody His unconditional love for others. She believed that God’s love is manifested through our love and compassion for those around us.
Through her insightful quotes, Susanna Wesley inspires us to cultivate love and compassion in our own lives. She reminds us that love has the power to transform individuals, families, and communities, and that by showing kindness and compassion, we can bring about positive change in the world.
Impact and Legacy
Susanna Wesley’s impact and legacy are far-reaching and significant. As a mother of 19 children, she played a crucial role in shaping the lives of her children, including her famous son, John Wesley, who went on to become one of the founders of Methodism.
Despite the challenges she faced, Susanna Wesley’s commitment to education and spiritual growth in her children was unwavering. She implemented a strict daily routine that included regular Bible study, prayer, and reading, instilling a deep faith within her children. This strong foundation had a profound effect on their lives and the lives of those they influenced.
Susanna Wesley’s influence extended beyond just her own family. She was known for her wisdom and counsel and often provided guidance to others in her community. Her spiritual wisdom and teachings continue to inspire and impact people to this day.
Furthermore, Susanna Wesley’s writings and letters have been preserved and studied, giving us insights into her life, thoughts, and beliefs. Her writings reveal a woman of great faith, intelligence, and resilience, who faced numerous hardships with grace and determination.
The legacy of Susanna Wesley is a testament to the power of a mother’s love and dedication. Her commitment to raising a godly family and her relentless pursuit of spiritual growth have left an indelible mark on history.
Today, Susanna Wesley’s influence can still be felt through her teachings and example. Her words continue to inspire and challenge individuals to deepen their faith and live lives dedicated to serving God and others.