A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
"It was for the new man that human nature was created at the beginning, and for him mind and desire were prepared." + St. Nicholas Cabasilas (+1391) The Life in Christ, 6, 12
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
"Shut out the evil love of the world, that you may be filled with the love of God. You are a vessel that was already full: you must pour away what you have, that you may take in what you have not." + St. Augustine of Hippo (+430) Second Homily on the First Epistle of John
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Then Jesus said to them, "I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.
"Love has perfect eyesight: it sees the truth in a person, and it distinguishes the sin from the sinner." + Fr. Daniel Sysoev (+2009) "How Can I Learn God's Will?", p. 8
Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
"First kindle within yourself the spirit of zeal, and then impose upon yourself strict discipline. For when this is done, there is already within you a new inner strength capable of bearing ascetic labor profitably. But if you lack this zeal and nevertheless take upon yourself a strict way of life merely by following the example of others or to appear ascetical, you will gain no benefit. You may endure such strictness for a short time, but afterward you will grow weak and abandon it. Then your condition will become worse than it was before." + St. Theophan the Recluse (+1894) Thoughts for Every Day of the Year
He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
"Whoever fears God stands above all manner of fear. He has become a stranger to all the fear of this world and placed it far from himself, and no manner of trembling comes near him." + St. Ephraim the Syrian (+373) On the Fear of God and the Last Judgment
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
"With all your power, ask the Lord for humility and brotherly love, because God freely gives His grace for love towards one's brother. Do an experiment on yourself: one day ask God for love towards your brother, and another day - live without love. You will see the difference." + St. Silouan the Athonite (+1938) Writings, XVI.8
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
"If the poison of pride is swelling up in you, turn to the Eucharist; and that Bread, Which is your God humbling and disguising Himself, will teach you humility." + St. Cyril of Alexandria (+444)
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all.
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
"The very moment that you rejoice in the sinful fall of your brother you have also fallen to the joy of the devil who, with one hook, snared two fish." + St. Nikolai Velimirovich (+1956) Prologue of Ohrid, June 6, Reflection
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
"The end of sin is death; the end of God's commandments-life eternal." + St. Basil the Great (+379)
Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
"It is only necessary to seek one thing: to be with Jesus. The man who remains with Jesus is rich, even if he is poor with regard to material things." + St. Ignatius Brianchaninov (+1867) Patericon
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
“The acquisition of of holiness is not the exclusive business of monks, as certain people think. People with families are also called to holiness, as are those in all kinds of professions, who live in the world, since the commandment about perfection and holiness is given not only to monks, but to all people.” + Hieromartyr Onuphry Gagaluk (+1938)
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.
“Let it be understood that those who are not found living as He taught are not Christian— even though they profess with the lips the teaching of Christ.” + St. Justin Martyr (+165)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.