When the devil looks at a man who sincerely desires not to sin, he is not so unintelligent as to suggest to him (as he would to a hardened sinner) that he go and commit fornication or go and steal.… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
Sin is one thing but instinctive reaction or passion is another. These are our reactions: pride, anger, sexual indulgence, hate, greed, and so on. The corresponding sins are the gratification of these passions: when a man acts and brings into corporeal reality those works which were suggested to him by his desires. It is impossible to exist without desires arising,… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share
If you cannot be merciful, at least speak as though you are a sinner. If you are not a peacemaker, at least do not be a troublemaker. If you cannot be assiduous, at least in your thought be like a sluggard. If you are not victorious, do not exalt yourself over the vanquished. If you cannot close the mouth of… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share
Let us be convinced that nothing can happen to us apart from the providence of God. — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
A man who prays without ceasing, if he achieves something, knows why he achieved it, and can take no pride in it... for he… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
Why did you act in this way, you pitiable ones? Make a bow of repentance, recognize your fault, be sorry for your nakedness. Neither… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
He answered, "The woman whom You gave to be with me" (Gen 3:9-12), he did not say, "the woman deceived me," but "The woman whom You gave to me," as if he wanted to say: "This catastrophe has come upon me because of You." So it is, brethren, since Man is not accustomed to blame himself. He does not hesitate… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share
By keeping the Commandments the soul is purified and the mind too is enlightened, and starts to function as nature intended it to. 'The… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
Not only should we observe moderation with food, but we must also abstain from every other sin so that just as we fast with our stomach, we should fast with our tongue. Likewise, we should fast with our eyes; i.e. not look at agitating things, not allow your eyes freedom to roam, not to look shamelessly and without fear. Similarly,… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share
A great means to preserve continual peace and tranquillity of soul is to receive everything from the hands of God, both great and small,… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
Imagine that the world is a circle, that God is the center, and that the radii are the different ways human beings live. When those who wish to come closer to God walk towards the center of the circle, they come closer to one another at the same time as to God. The closer they come to God, the closer… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share
Virtues are in the middle, the royal way about which the saintly elder (Saint Basil the Great) said, "Travel on the royal way and count the miles." As I said, the virtues are at the midpoint between excess and laxness. That is why it is written, "Do not turn to the right or the left" (Prov 4:27) but travel on… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share
Again, after his fall, God gave him an occasion to repent and to receive mercy but he kept his stiff-neck held high. He came… — Dorotheus of Gaza Copy Share Image
