Skip to content

Beginners Quote by Symeon the New Theologian

“'Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord' (Heb. 12:14), Why did he say 'strive'? Because it is not possible for us to become holy and to be saints in an hour! We must therefore progress from modest beginnings toward holiness and purity. Even were…” quote by Symeon the New Theologian
Download Open image
“'Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord' (Heb. 12:14), Why did he say 'strive'? Because it is not possible for us to become holy and to be saints in an hour! We must therefore progress from modest beginnings toward holiness and purity. Even were we to spend a thousand years in this life we should never perfectly attain it. Rather we must always struggle for it every day, as if mere beginners.”

Symeon the New Theologian

About This Quote

Source Spiritual Writing: Homilies of Symeon the New Theologian, 10th century

Holiness is a lifelong pursuit; one must continually strive, recognizing perfection is unattainable in a single lifetime.

In simple terms: Spiritual growth requires daily effort.

Key Takeaway

Keep striving daily.

Themes

spirituality humility perseverance growth

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

theological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily prayer
  • ethical decisions
  • personal discipline

Key Concepts

theology moral development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you measure spiritual progress?
  • What daily practice supports your growth?
A Different Perspective

Perfection is unrealistic; progress is gradual.

2.8 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Symeon the New Theologian

Explore all 28 Symeon the New Theologian quotes

More Beginners quotes

Browse all 210 Beginners quotes