I know a man who, when he saw a woman of striking beauty, praised the Creator for her. The sight of her lit within him the love of God.
John ClimacusRead
God belongs to all free beings. He is the life of all, the salvation of all ~faithful and unfaithful, just and unjust, pious and impious, passionate and dispassionate, monks and laymen, wise and simple, healthy and sick, young and old just as the effusion of light, the sight of the sun, and the changes of the seasons are for all alike; 'for there is no respect of persons with God.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their moral standing or life choices.
This quote expresses the idea that God's love and salvation are universal and not limited by human distinctions or judgments. Just as natural elements like light and the sun are accessible to all, so too is God's presence and benevolence available to every individual, regardless of their beliefs or behaviors. It highlights the inclusivity and impartiality of divine grace, illustrating that God does not discriminate between individuals based on their actions or status.
Themes
GodGraceLoveSalvationInclusivityUniversalCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about unity and acceptance in religious communities.
More from John Climacus
All quotes →The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the soul is still excited. The goal is a perfect peacefulness even in the middle of the raging storm.
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Someone who is elated with wine speaks the truth on all subjects, even without meaning to. In the same way, anyone who is inebriated with the spirit of penitence will never be able to tell lies.
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Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility.
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The slave of the belly ponders the menu with which to celebrate the feast. The servant of God, however, thinks of the graces that may enrich him.
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Ascend, my brothers, ascend eagerly. Let your hearts' resolve be to climb. Listen to the voice of the one who says: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of our God' (Isa. 2:3), Who makes our feet to be like the feet of the deer, 'Who sets us on the high places, that we may be triumphant on His road' (Hab. 3:19).
John ClimacusRead
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