Judge not, forgive, give.... It seems like nothing but expenses, without any profit. But behold what is promised: if you do not condemn, you will not be condemned; if you forgive, you will be forgiven; if you give, you will be given to. Right now the profit is not visible, but it will undoubtedly come for one who makes these expenditures from the heart. It will come precisely at that time when he needs exoneration and forgiveness the most. How will he rejoice when he is suddenly made worthy to receive such good gifts as if for nothing! And, on the other hand, how another will sorrow and grieve because he did not know how to manage his property profitably! He would now forgive everything and give away everything, but it is too late: everything has its time. Not everyone pursues only the kind of profit that comes directly into his hands almost immediately after the expenditure. A Russian proverb says, 'Throw bread and salt behind you, and you will find it in front of you.' The actions in the above-mentioned cases really are like throwing something, but in these cases they are not thrown under foot to be trampled, but into the hands of God. These hands are true, and sure to return what they receive. Just add faith and hope.
- St. Theophan the Recluse
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