The practice of Humility - 37

If, among your companions, there is one who seems to you repulsive and worthless, it would be wise and prudent for you to consider the good qualities of nature, and grace he has received from God; because of these, he is worthy of respect and honor.  You should not criticize and blame him for his defects.  At least, look at him as a creature of God, formed in his image and likeness, ransomed by the precious Blood of Jesus Christ, a Christian marked with the light of God’s countenance; that he has a soul capable of seeing and possessing God eternally, and perhaps a predestined one according to the secret plans of God’s adorable providence.  Do you perhaps know the graces the Lord has bestowed upon his heart, or those he is in the process of bestowing?  But instead of attempting all this research, it would be better immediately to reject all these thoughts of contempt as poisoned suggestions of the tempter.

J. Pecci (later Pope Leo XIII)