Lord, where we are wrong, make us willing to change; where we are right, make us easy to live with.

The quote “Lord, where we are wrong, make us willing to change; where we are right, make us easy to live with” is attributed to Peter Marshall, a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister who served as Chaplain of the U.S. Senate in the mid-20th century. Known for his eloquent prayers and sermons, Marshall often emphasized humility, compassion, and the need for spiritual reflection. This quote, likely from one of his public prayers, reflects a deep understanding of both personal growth and interpersonal harmony.

In the first part of the quote, Marshall asks for the willingness to change when we are in the wrong. This underscores the importance of self-awareness, repentance, and openness to correction. Admitting faults and striving for betterment is a foundational principle in many religious and ethical traditions, and here it is framed as a humble plea for divine help in fostering that inner transformation.

The second part of the quote—“where we are right, make us easy to live with”—carries an equally profound message. It warns against pride and self-righteousness, reminding us that being correct does not justify arrogance or harshness. True wisdom and virtue involve not only being right, but also being gracious, tolerant, and kind in our dealings with others, even when we are confident in our convictions.

Ultimately, this quote blends moral integrity with relational grace, calling for a balance between personal growth and social harmony. Peter Marshall’s words serve as a timeless reminder that both humility in our wrongs and gentleness in our rights are essential to building peaceable and meaningful human relationships.