Do not try to decide a difficult matter by means of disputing, but that which is enjoined by the spiritual law, namely patience, prayer, and thoughtful hope.

No one is as good and merciful as the Lord. But even He does not forgive the unrepentant.

It is better to pray with good will for our neighbor, rather than to denounce him for every sin.

A man who hates the passion cuts off their causes. But a man who remains among their causes experiences even against his will the conflict from the passions. It is not possible to be mentally inclined toward a passion if one does not love its cause. For who, disdaining shame, is given to vainglory? Or who, loving lowliness, is bothered by dishonor? Who, having a broken and humble heart, accepts fleshly sweetness? Or who, believing in Christ, is concerned about temporal things, or argues about them?

He who seeks forgiveness of his sins loves humility, but if he condemns another he seals his own wickedness.

Whoever has a spiritual gift and compassionate toward one who does not have it guards his gift through his compassion. But whoever is proud of his gift loses it through self-opinion.

Conquer temptations by the patience and prayer. If you oppose them without these, you will fall all the more severely.