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Assuming Quote by Tikhon of Zadonsk

“It is a fearful thing to hate whom God hath loved. To look upon another-his weaknesses, his sins, his faults, his defects is to look upon one who is suffering. He is suffering from negative passions, from the same sinful human corruption from which you yourself suffer. This is very important: do…” quote by Tikhon of Zadonsk
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“It is a fearful thing to hate whom God hath loved. To look upon another-his weaknesses, his sins, his faults, his defects is to look upon one who is suffering. He is suffering from negative passions, from the same sinful human corruption from which you yourself suffer. This is very important: do not look upon him with judgmental eyes of comparison, noting the sins you assume you'd never commit. Rather, see him as a fellow sufferer, a fellow human being who is in need of the very healing of which you are in need. Help him, love him, pray for him do unto him as you would have him do unto you.”

Tikhon of Zadonsk

About This Quote

Source Letter: Spiritual Guidance, Tikhon of Zadonsk, 1773

Judge others with compassion, recognizing shared suffering and the need for mutual healing.

In simple terms: Treat others as fellow sufferers, not as objects of judgment.

Key Takeaway

Offer empathy and support instead of criticism.

Themes

compassion humility empathy

Mood

gentle reflective

Type

ethical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community support
  • conflict resolution
  • counseling

Key Concepts

shared humanity spiritual solidarity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice empathy toward someone who hurt you?
  • What habits foster non‑judgmental observation?
A Different Perspective

Compassion may be difficult when personal hurt is involved.

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