My first word, or rather the command of God, is to love God with all your soul, your heart, your mind and strength. To be able to love God we must strive with ourselves, for all the good things are acquired by work and suffering… Be thankful to God for all the good that you have, especially that He has enlightened you with divine knowledge and has saved you from evil delusions.

My second word is to love your neighbor as yourself. Love according to the law of the Lord, your enemies also, and do good to those who do you wrong. Love and help the poor according to your strength.

My third word is that you judge no one who sins, because our Lord told us not to judge so that we will not be judged. If you see someone sinning and you know that he will listen to you then admonish that person to leave their sin…

My fourth word is that you go often to church services, and pray regularly, especially pray in your heart when you are walking or working, remember God by praying, “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me”, or “Glory be to God”, or “Most Holy Theotokos help me”, and other prayers that you know. Study the Holy Scriptures, the life and writings of the Holy Fathers. Always remember God, your own mortality, God’s righteous judgement, Paradise and Hell. These thoughts and remembrances help us not to sin so easily.

“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos” Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras