“Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”
- August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997
- Albanian
- Catholic nun and saint
- Founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in supporting the poor, sick, and orphans
Quote
“Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa’s quote underscores the immense power of words and their ability to either bring light or darkness into the world. She emphasizes that words that lack love, compassion, and truth—the very qualities that reflect the light of Christ—can contribute to misunderstanding, hatred, and negativity. For her, speaking words that spread hope and kindness is an essential part of living a life that mirrors Christ’s message, whereas words that sow division or harm only add to the darkness of the world.
In her life, Mother Teresa chose her words carefully, using them to offer comfort, encouragement, and love to those who were suffering. She understood that words had the potential to heal, inspire, and uplift, and that by speaking with compassion and truth, she could be a vessel of Christ’s light to those around her. Her approach to communication was grounded in a deep faith that words should always reflect the love of God and the dignity of each person.
In the modern world, this quote serves as a reminder of the power of language. In an era where communication is widespread, especially through social media, it’s easy to use words that perpetuate negativity or conflict. This quote encourages us to speak with intention, using our words to bring understanding, compassion, and peace. For example, offering encouragement to a struggling friend or using words to resolve conflict in a peaceful way can be a powerful way to share the light of Christ and push back against the darkness of division and hatred.
