Only he can take great resolves who has indomitable faith in God

The gentle murmur of the café filled the air, blending with the soft tapping of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, staring out at the rain-soaked streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice reflective, but with a sense of curiosity.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Mahatma Gandhi today that really made me think. He said, ‘Only he can take great resolves who has indomitable faith in God and has fear of God.’ What do you think about that? Do you think faith—whether in God or something else—gives us the strength to make bold decisions?”

Jack: He looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I think Gandhi is pointing to something deeply powerful. To take great action—whether it’s personal, moral, or social—requires a kind of inner strength that often comes from a deep belief in something greater than ourselves. It’s the faith that gives us the courage to act when the stakes are high, and the fear of God, as Gandhi says, is a reminder of humility and purpose. Faith doesn’t just give us strength—it gives us direction.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. I think it’s interesting how he ties fear of God with faith. It’s not about being afraid of punishment; it’s about having reverence for something higher than ourselves. When you have that kind of reverence, you’re not just acting for your own benefit—you’re acting with a sense of duty or purpose that transcends individual desires. It’s about understanding the weight of your decisions and the impact they can have on others.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness between them. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “I think faith gives us a kind of clarity that allows us to make decisions that might seem impossible otherwise. If we have faith in something greater—whether it’s God, a cause, or our values—then we trust that our actions are part of a larger plan or purpose. It’s that trust that gives us the courage to take bold steps, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. And the fear of God, or the reverence, keeps us grounded and focused on what truly matters.”

Jeeny: “Yes, it’s about knowing that the decisions we make aren’t just about us—they’re about something bigger. Faith allows us to step out of our own limitations and see the broader picture. It’s not about thinking we’re invincible or that we have all the answers—it’s about knowing that we’re connected to a higher purpose, and that can give us the strength to face challenges we might otherwise shy away from.”

Host: The conversation seemed to deepen, as they both reflected on the power of faith in shaping decisions. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his expression softening.

Jack: “I think what Gandhi is saying is that great actions require both inner strength and humility. Faith allows us to tap into a power beyond our own, and fear—reverence—keeps us humble enough to make sure that power is used wisely. It’s a balance between confidence and humility, between strength and purpose.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with understanding. “Exactly. And that’s what gives those great resolves their depth. When we act with faith and reverence, our actions are driven by something meaningful and significant. They’re not just driven by personal ambition—they’re driven by a higher sense of responsibility and purpose.”

Host: The rain had stopped, leaving a calm stillness in the air. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that the greatest decisions come not just from strength, but from a deep faith and humility. Gandhi’s words remind us that true courage comes from a belief in something greater, and that it’s through faith and reverence that we find the strength to take bold, meaningful action.