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Quotes

A collection of scriptural meditations from Saints and Fathers of the Church.

Do not seek to find the cause of temptations or whence they come; only pray to suffer them with gratitude.

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The temptation comes in accordance with one’s stature. And you must endure in order to emerge victorious. Christ, Who sets the contest, allows temptations for this reason: so that we may gain victories against the enemy, be purged from passions, and be perfected.

Self-control and strenuous effort curb desire; stillness and intense longing for God wither it.

If a man tries to overcome temptations without prayer and patient endurance, he will become more entangled in them instead of driving them away.

When you pray fervently, watch, for there will be temptations. This happens to everyone.

When you pray to God in time of temptation do not say, 'Take this or that away from me', but pray like this: 'O Jesus Christ, sovereign Master, help me and do not let me sin against Thee. . .'

Some temptations bring men pleasure, some grief, some bodily pain. The Physician of souls by means of His judgments applies the remedy to each soul according to the cause of its passions.

The person who truly comes to serve God must prepare his soul, as it says in the Wisdom of Sirach (2:1), for temptations. Thus, that he will never be surprised or disturbed by what happens, believing that nothing happens without the providence of God and where there is the providence of God certainly what happens is good and for the benefit of the soul. For, everything that God does, He does for our benefit and because He loves us and has pity on us. We must, as the Apostle says, 'In everything give thanks' (1 Thess. 5:18), for His goodness.

Most of us call ourselves sinners, and perhaps really think it; but it is indignity that tests the heart.

Love and self-control purify the soul.

Christ allows temptations so that we may be purified of our predispositions.

If you lay down rules for yourself, do not disobey yourself; for he who cheats himself is self-deluded.

No virtue makes flesh-bound man so like a spiritual angel as does self-restraint, for it enables those still living on earth to become, as the Apostle says, 'citizens of heaven' (cf. Phil. 3:20).

Without temptations, pure souls are not known, virtue does not show, patience is not discernible. Without temptations, it is impossible for the soul to become healthy. They are the cleansing fire which makes the soul pure and bright.

St. Paul says: 'The person engaged in spiritual warfare exercises self control in all things' (I Cor. 9:25). Aware of all that is said in divine Scripture, let us lead our life with self-control, especially in regard to food.

Temptations are permitted so that we may learn what is in our heart.

Grace always precedes temptation, as if to notify you saying, 'Prepare yourself and lock your doors.'

When beset by temptations pray for courage and strength to remain firm. Remember: there is an eternity!

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Archangel Michael Orthodox Church
5025 E. Mill Rd
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

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440-526-5192 (Phone)