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About this quote

What does it mean?
Praying for enemies is the highest form of self-control.
In plain terms
Praying for your enemies shows the greatest self-control.
What can you take from it?
Use prayer to master your anger toward enemies.

Where it applies

  • personal conflict
  • spiritual growth
  • stress management

Putting it to work

  • prayer
  • anger management
  • meditation

Questions to consider

  • What would it take to pray for someone you hate?
  • How do you measure self-control?

Another view

It may feel impossible in moments of intense rage.

More from John Chrysostom

  1. Praying against one's personal enemies is a transgression of law.

    Permalink to quote #22

  2. Many, throwing themselves prostrate, and striking the ground with their forehead, and pouring forth hot tears, and groaning bitterly from the heart and stretch…

    Permalink to quote #24

  3. We are commanded to have only one enemy, the devil. With him never be reconciled! But with a brother, never be at enmity in thy heart.

    Permalink to quote #21

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