The True Source of Peace Is in the Surrender of the Will.
True peace is achieved by surrendering one's will to God without reservation.
Francois Fenelon emphasizes that true peace comes from surrendering our will to God. He encourages believers to focus on aligning their will with God's will rather than seeking personal enjoyment in religion. By humbly confessing faults, detaching from the world, and loving God above all else, one can experience God's love and find peace in their heart.
Text
LETTER VI.
The true source of peace is in the surrender of the will.
Remain in peace; the fervor of devotion does not depend upon yourself; all that lies in your power is the direction of your will. Give that up to God without reservation. The important question is not how much you enjoy religion, but whether you will whatever God wills. Humbly confess your faults; be detached from the world, and abandoned to God; love Him more than yourself, and his glory more than your life; the least you can do is to desire and ask for such a love. God will then love you and put his peace in your heart.
Sermon Outline
- The Source of Peace
- The Importance of Surrender
- The Question of Devotion
- The Path to Peace
- Humbly confessing faults
- Detachment from the world and abandonment to God
- Desiring and asking for a love for God
Key Quotes
“The important question is not how much you enjoy religion, but whether you will whatever God wills.” — Francois Fenelon
“The least you can do is to desire and ask for such a love.” — Francois Fenelon
“God will then love you and put his peace in your heart.” — Francois Fenelon
Application Points
- Surrender your will to God without reservation to achieve peace.
- Desire and ask for a love for God that is greater than your love for yourself.
- Humbly confess your faults and be detached from the world to be abandoned to God.