Contrition and love as the motive for avoiding sin

From the Novena to St. Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower)

Sacred Scripture: 1 John 4:18

Meditation for Day 2

St. Therese taught that perfect love, not fear of punishment, is the truest motive for fleeing sin, for as Scripture says there is no fear in love, and perfect love casts out fear. She herself surrendered her childhood scrupulosity at Christmas of 1886 and was transformed into a soul moved entirely by love of God. On this second day we ask her to obtain for us the grace to profit by the Precious Blood of Christ, turning from every offense not merely out of dread but out of the deep sorrow that love alone inspires.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Closing Prayer

O Lord, You have said: Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven; grant us, we beg You, so to follow, in humility and simplicity of heart, the footsteps of the Virgin blessed Therese, that we may attain to an everlasting reward. Amen.