March 17, 2013 - “A sign of compassion is forgiveness of every debt” - St. Isaac the Syrian
March 17, 2013 - “A sign of compassion is forgiveness of every debt” - St. Isaac the Syrian
March 17, 2013
“A sign of compassion is forgiveness of every debt” - St. Isaac the Syrian
He who lends his arm to help his neighbor receives the arm of God as his Helper.
The man who accuses his brother on account of his evil deeds has God for his own Accuser.
A man who corrects his brother in his private chamber cures his evil; but a man who makes accusation against another in a public gathering worsens his wounds.
He who cures his brother in secret makes manifest the strength of his love; but he who puts his brother to shame in the eyes of his companions gives proof of the strength of his envy.
A friend who rebukes another in secret is a wise physician; but he who wishes to cure in the eyes of many is in reality a reviler.
A sign of compassion is forgiveness of every debt; a sign of an evil mind is offensive speech to one who has fallen.
The man who administers chastisement with a view of healing, chastises in love; but he who seeks vengeance is devoid of love.
God chastises with love, not for the sake of revenge – far be it! – but seeks to cure His image, and he does not hold on to His wrath for a long time. This way is the result of righteousness and does not passionately resort to vengeance.
Ascetical Homily 48, p.229-230
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian
Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston, MA. 1984