What True Devotion Is

In this chapter, St. Francis de Sales explains what true devotion really is — and what it is not.

In this post, you’ll find:

• A modern-English interpretation of Chapter 1 of Introduction to the Devout Life

• A clear explanation of how devotion differs from outward religious behavior

• Why love, charity, and devotion are related but not the same

• How true devotion makes love active, joyful, and steady in daily life

Part 1 · Chapter 1

You want to live a devout life — and as a Christian, you know that this kind of devotion is deeply pleasing to God.

But when we begin anything important, small misunderstandings at the start often grow bigger as time goes on. What begins as a minor mistake can eventually become something that’s very hard to undo.

That’s why it matters so much to understand what true devotion actually is.

Real devotion absolutely exists — but there are also many false versions of it. These imitations can look holy on the outside while being empty on the inside. If you don’t know the difference, you can easily spend your energy chasing something that looks spiritual but leads nowhere.

A painter named Aurelius used to paint all his portraits with the face and expression of the woman he loved. In the same way, we often shape devotion according to our own tastes, personalities, and preferences.

Mary, Mystical Rose — original artwork by Talmid Studios

One person thinks devotion is all about fasting. They discipline their body strictly, but inside they are harsh, bitter, and unforgiving. They refuse even a sip of wine or water, yet they don’t hesitate to damage someone else’s reputation with gossip or cruel words.

Another person believes devotion means long hours of prayer. They pray constantly, but still speak harshly, lose their temper, and treat their family or neighbors with impatience and pride.

Another gives generously to charity, but refuses to show kindness or mercy to those who upset or oppose them.

Another is willing to forgive enemies in theory, but refuses to act justly in everyday responsibilities — such as paying what they owe — unless they are forced to do so.

People often call these individuals “religious,” but in truth they are not truly devout.

When King Saul sent men to capture David, David’s wife Michal placed a lifeless figure in

David’s bed and covered it with clothes so it would look like he was still there. Saul’s men were deceived by the appearance.

In the same way, many people dress up their lives with religious actions and practices. From the outside, they appear devout — but inside, the true life of devotion is missing.

True, living devotion begins with love of God. In fact, devotion is nothing more — and nothing less — than real love of God, though this love can take different forms.

When God’s love shines in the soul, we call it grace, because it makes us pleasing to Him. When that same love strengthens us to do what is good, we call it charity.

But when love reaches its fullest expression — when it not only moves us to do good, but to do it carefully, consistently, and without delay — that is what we call devotion.

An ostrich never flies. A hen can rise into the air, but only with difficulty, and only for a short time. An eagle, a dove, or a swallow, however, is frequently in flight and able to soar high.

In the same way, those living in sin never rise toward God; their lives remain earthbound. Well-meaning people who have not yet grown into true devotion try to rise toward God through good actions, but slowly and heavily, as if weighed down.

Truly devout souls, however, rise toward God often — and with strength, freedom, and lift.

A person who is just recovering from illness can walk, but only slowly and only as far as necessary. In the same way, someone newly converted follows God’s commands, but often with effort and weariness.

This continues until the person grows into a true spirit of devotion.

Once that happens, they become like a healthy person again — not only able to walk, but able to run. They move eagerly along the path God sets before them and even hurry joyfully toward the things God invites them to do, not because they must, but because love draws them forward.

The difference between love and devotion is like the difference between fire and flame. Love is the fire; devotion is that same fire fanned into flame.

Devotion doesn’t add something new to love — it intensifies it. It makes love energetic, eager, and steady, not only in obeying God’s commands, but also in responding generously to His gentle invitations and inner promptings.

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Continue reading:

Part 1 · Chapter 2 → The Nature and Excellence of Devotion

Disclaimer: This post offers a modern-English interpretation of Introduction to the Devout Life (1609) by St. Francis de Sales. It is designed as a study aid to help make his original teaching more accessible to today’s readers. While it follows the structure and logic of the original work, it is not a direct translation. The original 1609 work is in the public domain.