growing in humility

If we make the effort to discover our neighbour’s good points, we shall see that the deficiencies in his character, the defects in his behaviour, are as nothing in comparison with his virtues. This positive, just attitude towards those with whom we are constantly in contact will bring us closer to God. We shall grow in interior mortification, charity and humility. Let us strive always to look at the virtues and good deeds we see in others, Saint Teresa tells us, and cover their defects with the thought of our own great sins. This is a manner of acting that, although we cannot do so with perfection right away, gradually gains for us a great virtue - that of considering all other men as being better than ourselves. In such a way, with the help of God, one begins to acquire this virtue (St Teresa, Life, 13, 10).