Welcome to a collection of profound insights and timeless wisdom from Jim Elliot, a man whose words continue to inspire and resonate with countless individuals around the world. Jim Elliot, a missionary and martyr, left behind a legacy of faith, courage, and unwavering dedication to serving others. His quotes reflect his deep spirituality, unwavering commitment to his beliefs, and profound understanding of the human condition.
Jim Elliot’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 28 when he was killed while attempting to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador. Despite the brevity of his life, Elliot’s impact continues to reverberate through his words, which serve as a beacon of hope and guidance for those navigating life’s challenges and seeking spiritual fulfillment. His insights offer profound reflections on faith, love, sacrifice, and the importance of living a purpose-driven life.
Below, you’ll find a selection of Jim Elliot quotes that capture the essence of his teachings and provide inspiration for all who encounter them. Whether you choose to reflect on them, share them with others, or incorporate them into your own creative projects, may these quotes serve as a source of encouragement and enlightenment in your journey through life.
Most laws condemn the soul and pronounce sentence. The result of the law of my God is perfect. It condemns but forgives. It restores – more than abundantly – what it takes away. Jim Elliot
Feast of Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr, the man who will not act until he knows all will never act at all. Jim Elliot
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him. Jim Elliot
I only hope that He will let me preach to those who have never heard that name Jesus. What else is worthwhile in this life? I have heard of nothing better. ‘Lord, send me!’ Jim Elliot
I many no longer depend on pleasant impulses to bring me before the Lord. I must rather response to principles I know to be right, whether I feel them to be enjoyable or not. Jim Elliot
The sound of ‘gentle stillness’ after all the thunder and wind have passed will the ultimate Word from God. Jim Elliot
Coming home, we stopped for a bite to eat and ran into a confused waitress. Had a heart-rending time trying to speak the Words of Life to her, and as I think of all this country now, many just as confused, and more so, I realized that the 39th Street bus is as much a mission field as Africa ever was. Jim Elliot
How wonderful to know that Christianity is more than a padded pew or a dim cathedral, but that it is a real, living, daily experience which goes on from grace to grace. Jim Elliot
We wouldn’t think of rising in the morning without a face-wash, but we often neglect that purgative cleansing of the Word of the Lord. It wakes us up to our responsibility. Jim Elliot
The Lord has done what I wanted Him to do this week. I wanted, primarily, peace about going into pioneer Indian work. And as I analyze my feelings now, I feel quite at ease about saying that tribal work in South American jungles is the general direction of my missionary purpose. Jim Elliot
What a brutish master sin is, taking the joy from one’s life, stealing money and health, giving promise of tomorrow’s pleasures, and finally leading one onto the rotten planking that overlies the mouth of the pit. Jim Elliot
I dare not stay home while Quichuas perish. What if the well-filled church in the homeland needs stirring? They have the Scriptures, Moses, and the prophets, and a whole lot more. Their condemnation is written on their bank books and in the dust on their Bible covers. Jim Elliot
Systematic theology – be careful how you tie down the Word to fit your set and final creeds, systems, dogmas, and organized theistic philosophies! The Word of God is not bound! It’s free to say what it will to the individual, and no one can outline it into dispensations which cannot be broken. Jim Elliot
Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God. Jim Elliot
Begin each day with private reading of the Word and prayer. Jim Elliot
Lord, make my way prosperous, not that I achieve high station, but that my life may be an exhibit to the value of knowing God. Jim Elliot
Wherever you are – be all there. Jim Elliot
Ninety-five percent of our wool is going to China. Jim Elliot
No one warns young people to follow Adam’s example. He waited till God saw his need. Then God made Adam sleep, prepared for his mate, and brought her to him. We need more of this ‘being asleep’ in the will of God. Jim Elliot
Missionaries are very human folks, just doing what they are asked. Simply a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody. Jim Elliot
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliot
Grieve not, then, if your sons seem to desert you, but rejoice, rather, seeing the will of God done gladly. Jim Elliot
I wanted to sail when I was in grammar school and well remember memorizing the names of the sails from the Merriam-Webster’s ponderous dictionary in the library. Now I am actually at sea – as a passenger, of course, but at sea nevertheless – and bound for Ecuador. Jim Elliot
It is true that a fellow cannot ignore women – but he can think of them as he ought – as sisters, not as sparring partners. Jim Elliot
Domesticated males aren’t much use for adventure. Jim Elliot