truisms

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 2:34 pm

Christian virtues, oft absent when most needed, and are some of THE most difficult to swallow:

Opting not to defend yourself.
Chosing to consider the ways in which you are guilty, rather than the ways in which you are innocent. (or the other person is guilty). Truly I believe that there can never be true forgiveness without this.
Apologizing without expectation for merit.
Walking away, instead of ________________
Listening, when words of truth hurt.
Acknowledging and accepting an apology...honestly with little regard for THEIR honesty, perceived or otherwise.
Recognizing that we really have no foundation for safely harboring "righteous indignation." (aka "anger").

Random Thoughts on Forgiveness

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 2:39 pm

Never correct someone with anger, but only with humility and sincere love. When you see anger ahead, forget about correcting for a moment. When peace has returned, then your powers of discernment are functioning properly and then you can speak beneficially. Since man was created rational and gentle, his is corrected far better with love and gentleness. An angry and irritable man is not accepted into the Kingdom of God even if he raises the dead. Therefore, suppress anger with all of your might, and you will find it weaker the next time.

Elder Joseph the Hesychast

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 2:56 pm

"...Eternal Life...that hope which alone gives virtue an advantage."

-St. Macrina via St. Gregory of Nysssa's On the Soul.

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 2:57 pm

Confession, it has been said, is akin to a second baptism: a baptism in tears.

A penitant

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 3:49 pm

All sins are attempts to fill voids.
Simone Weil

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 3:51 pm

"Many teach their children about worldly politics, others teach them to speak foreign languages: French, German, Italian, and in this spend no trifling sums. Others endeavor to teach them commerce and other arts. But hardly anyone teaches them to live in a Christian manner. However, without this, all learning is nothing and all wisdom is madness. For what does it profit a Christian to speak Italian, French and German, if he lives in an ungodly manner? What use is it to be skilled in commerce and the arts if one lacks the fear of God? God will not ask you whether you taught your children French, German or Italian or the politics of social life--but you will not escape divine reprobation for not having instilled goodness into them. I speak plainly but I tell the truth: if your children are bad, your grandchildren will be worse, and the evil will thus increase...and the root of all this is our thoroughly bad education. "

St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Ekaterina · Post by **Ekaterina** » Wed 3 January 2007 3:56 pm

First give your children virtue as an inheritance and then distribute your estate also.
Saint Basil the Great