I have many friends whose life is sweeter to Me than honey, more delicious than any wine, brighter in My sight than the sun. However, it pleased Me to choose you in My Spirit, not because you are better than they are or equal to them or better qualified, but because I wanted to - I Who can make sages out of fools and saints out of sinners. I did not grant you so great a grace because I hold the others in disdain. Rather, I am reserving them for another use and privilege as justice demands.
Humble yourself then in every way, and do not let anything trouble you but your sins. Love everyone, even those who seem to hate and slander you, for they are only providing you with a greater opportunity to win your crown!
Three things I command you to do. Three things I command you not to do. Three things I permit you to do. Three things I recommend you to do.
I command you to do three things, then. First, to desire nothing but your God; second, to cast off all pride and arrogance; third, always to hate the lust of the flesh.
Three things I order you not to do. First, neither to love vain, indecent speech nor, second, excessive eating and superfluity in other things, and, third, to flee from worldly merriment and frivolity.
I permit you to do three things. First, to sleep moderately for the sake of good health; second, to carry out temperate vigils to train the body; third, to eat moderately for the strength and sustenance of your body.
I recommend three things to you. First, to take pains to fast and carry out good works that earn the promise of the kingdom of Heaven; second, to dispose of your possessions for the glory of God; third, I counsel you to think on two things continually in your heart.
First, think on all that I have done for you by suffering and dying for you. Such a thought stirs up love for God. Second, consider My justice and the coming judgment. This instills fear in your mind.
Finally, there is a fourth thing which I both order and command and recommend and permit. This is to obey as you ought. I order this, inasmuch as I Am your God. I command you not to act otherwise, inasmuch as I Am your Lord. I permit this to you, inasmuch as I Am your bridegroom. I also recommend it, inasmuch as I Am your friend."
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Revelations and Prophesies Imparted to St. Bridget of Sweden - Book Two: Chapter Sixteen