It is only the infinite mercy and love of God that has prevented us from tearing ourselves to pieces and destroying His entire creation long ago. People seem to think that it is in some way a proof that no merciful God exists, if we have so many wars.

On the contrary, consider how in spite of centuries of sin and greed and lust and cruelty and hatred and avarice and oppression and injustice, spawned and bred by the free wills of men, the human race can still produce men and women who overcome evil with good, hatred with love, greed with charity, lust and cruelty with sanctity.

from The Seven Story Mountain

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Gender-inclusive version:

It is only the infinite mercy and love of God that has prevented us from tearing ourselves to pieces and destroying God’s entire creation long ago. People seem to think that it is in some way a proof that no merciful God exists, if we have so many wars.

On the contrary, consider how in spite of centuries of sin and greed and lust and cruelty and hatred and avarice and oppression and injustice, spawned and bred by the free wills of women and men, the human race can still produce men and women who overcome evil with good, hatred with love, greed with charity, lust and cruelty with sanctity.

from The Seven Story Mountain