What St. Jane Frances de Chantal Meant by “Have Patience with All Things, but First of All with Yourself”
“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.”
— St. Jane Frances de Chantal
“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself” is a gentle invitation to trust God’s timing in our spiritual growth. St. Jane Frances de Chantal understood that holiness is not achieved overnight. Instead, it is formed little by little as we faithfully cooperate with God’s grace each day.
Who Said “Have Patience with All Things, but First of All with Yourself”?
This quote is attributed to St. Jane Frances de Chantal (1572–1641), a French noblewoman, widow, and co-founder of the Order of the Visitation with St. Francis de Sales. After enduring profound personal loss, she dedicated her life to prayer, charity, and helping others grow in God’s love through gentleness and humility.
Her spirituality emphasized trust, perseverance, and the quiet confidence that God patiently shapes every faithful soul.
What Does “Have Patience with Yourself” Mean?
St. Jane reminds us that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. We all struggle with weaknesses, failures, and moments of discouragement. Rather than becoming frustrated with ourselves, she encourages us to respond with the same patience and mercy that God shows us.
This does not mean making excuses for sin or becoming complacent. Instead, it means recognizing that conversion takes time. God works steadily within us, using both our successes and our failures to draw us closer to Him.
Patience with ourselves also helps us become more patient with others. When we remember how gently God deals with us, we are better able to extend compassion, forgiveness, and understanding to those around us.
Every small step of faith, every sincere prayer, and every act of love becomes part of God’s patient work of transformation.
Why This Quote Still Matters Today
Today’s culture often pressures us to expect immediate results and perfection. When we fall short, we can become discouraged or overly critical of ourselves. St. Jane Frances de Chantal reminds us that God is not hurried. He faithfully completes His work in those who continue to trust Him.
Instead of measuring ourselves by perfection, we are invited to measure ourselves by faithfulness—returning to God each day with humility, hope, and confidence in His mercy.
Patience with ourselves becomes an act of faith, trusting that the God who began His work in us will bring it to completion.
If you would like to reflect more deeply on the life and witness of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, you are invited to explore our 30-day devotional, Walking with St. Jane Frances de Chantal — a daily journey of prayer, patience, humility, trust, and growing in God’s gentle love.
