"القديس ليس شخصًا صالحًا بل شخص يختبر صلاح الله"

The core idea here is that being a saint isn't about being inherently good or perfect. Instead, it's about recognizing and experiencing the profound goodness that comes from a higher power, or God. Let's break this down a bit. It means that sanctity is less about our own actions and more about our relationship with and understanding of God's goodness.

Historically, this sentiment can be traced back to various religious teachings that emphasize grace and divine love over human effort. Many spiritual traditions teach that humans are inherently imperfect and that any goodness we exhibit is a reflection of a divine source. This idea encourages humility, suggesting that nobody can claim to be good by their own merits but can experience goodness through their relationship with God.

Think about a real-life example: Mother Teresa. She’s often held up as a paragon of saintliness, not because she was perfect, but because she devoted her life to experiencing and sharing the love and goodness she felt from God. She didn’t see herself as inherently good—she was very open about her struggles and doubts—but she dedicated her life to serving others because she felt called by God's love. Her work with the poor and the sick in Calcutta was a testament to her experiencing and then sharing that divine goodness.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by recognizing that chasing after perfection or trying to be "good enough" isn't the goal. Instead, focus on building a relationship with God or whatever higher power you believe in. Spend time in prayer, meditation, or reflection. Look for ways that you can see and experience the goodness around you. This could be through nature, relationships, or acts of kindness. The more you experience this goodness, the more it will naturally flow through you into your actions.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend who's feeling down about not living up to their own standards. You could share this idea with them. "Hey, I get it. We all fall short sometimes. But it's not about being perfect. Think of it like this: being a good person isn’t about never making mistakes or always doing the right thing. It’s more about recognizing and experiencing the goodness that comes from something greater than ourselves. When we tap into that, it changes how we see and interact with the world."

Here's a relatable scenario to drive it home. Think about a time you’ve felt incredibly moved by something simple—like a beautiful sunset, a kind word from a stranger, or a moment of unexpected peace. That’s a glimpse of experiencing goodness beyond yourself. Now, imagine making a conscious effort to recognize those moments more often. Over time, you'll find that this sense of goodness shapes your actions and attitudes, not because you’re trying to be good, but because you’re living in a way that reflects the goodness you’re experiencing.

In essence, the journey to sainthood is less about striving for personal perfection and more about opening yourself up to the goodness that’s already there, letting it transform you and your actions naturally. So, next time you’re hard on yourself for not measuring up, remember that it’s not about being good—it's about experiencing and sharing the goodness you receive.