Love sinners, but hate their deeds, and do not disdain sinners for their failings, so that you yourself do not fall into the temptation in which they abide... Do not be angry at anyone and do not hate anyone, neither for their faith, nor for their shameful deeds... Do not foster hatred for the sinner, for we are all guilty... Hate his sins, and pray for him, so that you may be made like unto Christ, who had no dislike for sinners, but prayed for them.

As a handful of sand thrown into the ocean, so are the sins of all flesh as compared with the mind of God.

Love is the fruit of prayer ... Patiently abiding in prayer signifies a man's renunciation of himself. Therefore the self-denial of the soul turns into love for God.

Whoever prematurely begins a work that is above his strength receives nothing, but only brings harm upon himself.

If you cannot close the mouth of one who reviles his brother, at least avoid conversation with him.

God requires not the doing of the commandments for their own sake, but the correction of the soul, for whose sake He established the commandments.

If you are truly merciful, then when what is yours is unjustly taken, don't be sad inside, and do not tell of our loss to your neighbor. Let a better loss, inflicted by those who insult you, be absorbed by your mercy.