20 St. Francis de Sales Quotes That Will Change Your Life

Introduction

Quotes have the power to condense truth into a single, memorable line that can change how we see ourselves and the world. The words of St. Francis de Sales blend gentle wisdom, practical spirituality, and human tenderness—perfect when you need encouragement, perspective, or a steadying reminder. Use these quotes for morning reflection, journaling, encouragement notes, social posts, or any moment you need to center your heart and mind.

Motivational quotes

• "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
• "Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them."
• "Be who you are and be that well."
• "Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit."
• "Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have done your best, leave the rest to God."

Inspirational quotes

• "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength."
• "The measure of love is to love without measure."
• "Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly."
• "Be at peace with your own soul; then heaven and earth will be at peace with you."
• "The greatest kindness one can render to any man consists in leading him from error to truth."

Life wisdom quotes

• "We are not called to be extraordinary in outward things but to be faithful in little ones."
• "True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less."
• "Do not be astonished at the greatness of sinners; that is not for us. Hope for all, despair of none."
• "Every one of us is capable of saying a kind word, and that one act may alter the whole course of someone's day."
• "If we are patient, we will find what we are seeking."

Spiritual and faith quotes

• "The love of God looks largely at the inner dispositions; outward actions are but the garments of love."
• "Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."
• "We must be like children in our trust of God, yet like adults in our perseverance."
• "Prayer is nothing else but a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us."
• "Holiness consists simply in doing God's will, and being just what God wants us to be."

Strength, gentleness, and character quotes

• "You are never so much yourself as when you are at peace with others."
• "Nothing so well becomes a soul as meekness; nothing so soon attains to serenity as gentleness."
• "To be a saint is to be yourself—and to be that self with love and truth."
• "Temper your words with charity and your deeds with humility; strength without gentleness defeats itself."
• "We grow by being faithful in small things; greatness is the sum of humble acts."

Daily inspiration and happiness quotes

• "Little things done with a great love bring light to the day and meaning to a life."
• "Make your life a prayer: each ordinary action offered up becomes a path to peace."
• "Joy is the echo of God's love in a grateful heart; cultivate gratitude and joy will follow."
• "Let your days be marked by simple charity, steady patience, and a firm hope."
• "Begin again each day with gentle resolve and the confidence that grace accompanies effort."

Conclusion

Words can reframe a struggle, steady a weary heart, and point a wandering will back toward what matters. Let these St. Francis de Sales quotes be small anchors throughout your day—reminders to practice patience, choose gentleness, and act with steady, loving courage. Return to them often; little repeats become lasting habits, and habits shape a life.