Joy

"The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness.  But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians.  When they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in their complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths.  But, though it is just to condemn some Christians for these things, perhaps, after all, it is not just, though very easy, to condemn Christianity itself for them.  Indeed there are impressive indications that the positive quality of joy is in Christianity - and possibly nowhere else.  If that were certain, it would be proof of a very high order."  ~Sheldon Vanauken's journal, in A Severe Mercy

This is the viewpoint of someone outside the Christian faith.  Mr. Vanauken eventually gave his heart over to Christ, becoming a Christian himself.  His perceptions before becoming a Christian are sad, but true.  I'm so grateful for grace... <3

When I first read this excerpt, I was deeply convicted.  Still am.