Isaac of Nineveh
Isaac of Nineveh
Isaac of Ninevehalso remembered as Saint Isaac the Syrian, Abba Isaac, Isaac Syrus and Isaac of Qatar was a 7th-century Syriac Christian bishop and theologian best remembered for his written works on Christian asceticism. He is also regarded as a saint in theChurch of the East, the Orthodox Church, and among theOriental Churches, making him the last saint chronologically to be recognised by every apostolic Church of the Christian East. His feast day falls, together with 4th-century theologian and hymnographer...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionSaint
years heaven suffering
Behold, for years and generations, the way of God has been leveled by the cross and by death. How is this with thee, that thou seest the afflictions of the way as if they were out of the way? Doest not thou wish to follow the steps of the saints? Or doest thou wish to go a way which is especially for thee, without suffering? the way unto God is a daily cross. No one can ascend unto heaven with comfort, we know where the way of comfort leads.
inspirational christian religious
Afflictions for God's sake are dearer to Him than any prayer or sacrifice.
inspirational christian religious
When you want to direct someone toward the good, first put him at peace bodily and honor him with words of love. For nothing inclines such a man to shame and induces him to cast of his vice and be changed for the better as do bodily goods and honor, which he sees in you. Then, with love tell him a word or two, and do not be inflamed with anger toward him. Do not let him see any cause of enmity toward you. For love does not know how to lose its temper.
inspirational christian religious
The Lord bears all the weaknesses of men, but He does not bear a man who is always murmuring, and does not leave Him without chastisement.
inspirational christian religious
No one can sense his own weakness is at least a small temptation is not allowed to afflict either his body or his soul. Then, comparing his weakness to the help of God, a man comes to know its magnitude. But whoever does not know that he needs God's help, let him make many prayers. Insofar as he multiplies them, in that measure will he be humbled.
inspirational christian religious
If, at the time when the mind is praying it is distracted by any extraneous thought or worry about anything, then this prayer is not called pure.
inspirational christian religious
Without temptations, it is not possible to learn the wisdom of the Spirit. It is not possible that Divine love be strengthened in your soul. Before temptations, a man prays to God as a stranger. When temptations are allowed to come by the love of God, and he does not give in to them, then he stands before God as a sincere friend. For in fulfilling the will of God, he has made war on the enemy of God and conquered him.
inspirational christian religious
The prayer of one who does not consider himself a sinner is not accepted by the Lord.
christian compassion overcoming
Just as a strongly flowing fountain is not blocked up by a handful of earth, so the compassion of the Creator is not overcome by the wickedness of his creatures.
waste vain repentance
This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.
inspirational christian religious
Whoever prematurely begins a work that is above his strength receives nothing, but only brings harm upon himself.
inspirational christian religious
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.
spiritual justice zealous
Be persecuted, rather than be a persecutor. Be crucified, rather than be a crucifier. Be treated unjustly, rather than treat anyone unjustly. Be oppressed, rather than be an oppressor. Be gentle rather than zealous. Lay hold of goodness, rather than justice.
inspirational christian religious
The Commandments of God are higher than all the treasures of the earth. Whoever has acquired them has received God within himself.