44. Do not judge sternly those that verbally
instruct others on great virtues while at the same time, they themselves are
being remiss toward good deeds, because the benefits from these teachings often
eliminate that deficiency. All of us did not receive in equal measure: some
have excellence more in word than in deed, while conversely, others are
stronger in deed than in word. (John Climacus)
44. One of the shortest paths toward receiving
forgiveness for our sins is in not judging anyone, because it is said: "Judge
not, and you shall not be judged" (Luke 6:37). (John Climacus)
44. The eager and severe critics of a neighbor’s
sins have this passion because they do not recall nor lament their own sins. If
every person carefully examined his own conduct without being encased in pride,
he would be incapable of concerning himself with anything but repentance,
because he will realize that the length of his whole life will not be
sufficient time to lament over his sins, even though he may live for a long
time and shed a river of tears. (John Climacus)
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