You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion.

The quote by Meister Eckhart emphasizes that while God can be described by many attributes such as love or goodness, the most fitting and profound name for God is compassion. Eckhart highlights compassion as the central characteristic that best encapsulates the divine nature. This suggests that God’s essence is deeply connected to empathy, mercy, and a heartfelt concern for the suffering and well-being of all beings.

The origin of this quote comes from Meister Eckhart, a 13th-14th century mystic and theologian known for his deep spiritual insights and teachings within the Christian tradition. Eckhart’s work often explored the intimate relationship between humanity and God, focusing on qualities that bring people closer to the divine through experience and practice. His emphasis on compassion reflects a mystical understanding of God as the source of unconditional care and love.

This quote invites reflection on the nature of divinity and encourages believers to cultivate compassion as a way to connect with God. It shifts the focus from abstract qualities to a practical, living expression of God’s presence in the world—through acts of kindness, empathy, and understanding toward others.

In essence, Meister Eckhart’s words remind us that compassion is the highest manifestation of divine love. His message encourages embracing compassion not only as a spiritual ideal but as a guiding principle for how we live and relate to one another.