"The Lord measures our perfection neither by the multitude nor the magnitude of our deeds, but by the manner in which we perform them." St. John of the Cross

It is love which makes the difference in all we do. That really is the key word for all we do in Lent. Our penances mean nothing and achieve nothing if they are not done in love. We can fast and give up many things. But if we are not loving towards those around us, what good is our fasting and other deeds? Love transforms our hearts; mere deeds do not. You may spend more time in prayer, but if you are not loving to those you come into contact with, what real good is achieved?  God desires the conversion of our hearts, not the multiplicity of our good deeds. In a sense one deed done sincerely out of love is worth more than anything else in God's eyes.