The Holy Humility

The humble person is conscious of his inner state and, however unsightly it is, he does not lose his personality. He knows he is sinful and is grieved by the fact, but he does not despair and does not annihilate himself. The person who possesses holy humility does not speak at all, that is, he doesn't react. He accepts to be criticized and rebuked by others, without getting angry and defending himself. He does not lose his equilibrium. The oposite happens with the egotist, the person who has a sense of inferiority. To begin with he seems to be humble, but if he is goaded a little, he immediately loses his calm and is irritated and upset.

(Source: "Wounded by Love. The Life and the Wisdom of the Elder Porphyrios", published by the Holy Convent of the Life-Giving Spring - Chrysopigi, Greece, 2005)

For difficult times

Brethrens, but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another. Brethrens, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Source: The Epistle of St Paul to the Galatians, 5:22-26, 6:1-3)