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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker asks for divine force to break and reshape his heart rather than gentle correction.
In plain terms
He wants God to forcefully change him instead of just trying to fix him gently.
What can you take from it?
True transformation often requires forceful intervention.

Where it applies

  • repentance
  • crisis
  • spiritual struggle

Putting it to work

  • seek deep change
  • allow hardship to reshape

Questions to consider

  • What changes do you need force to make?
  • Is gentleness enough for your growth?

Another view

It frames personal growth as violent rather than collaborative.

More from John Donne

  1. What if this present were the world's last night?

    Permalink to quote #68
  2. Show me, dear Christ, Thy spouse, so bright and clear.

    Permalink to quote #70
  3. One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

    Permalink to quote #67

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