"Never confuse the person, formed in the image of God, with the evil that is in him; because evil is but a chance misfortune, an illness, a devilish reverie. But the very essence of the person is the image of God, and this remains in him despite every disfigurement."-- St. John of Kronstadt
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, we recently commemorated the life of St. John of Kronstadt on October 19th. A friend forwarded this quote to me. It presents quite the challenge: to avoid demonizing those with whom we disagree or have hurt us deeply; to understand and withhold judgment of 'the other'; to see God in every person we encounter.
More on the life of St. John of Kronstadt can be read here.
6 comments:
"Love every man in spite of his falling into sin. Never mind the sins, but remember that the foundation of the man is the same – the image of God."
-– St. John of Kronstadt
Such a good quote. Remembering that people are made in the image of God is so hard and counter-intuitive; I can't think of a single way I've learned or been taught that a person is not defined by what he/she does, but by who he/she is...
Katie, where are you living these days?
Still in Philly. You cats still in Wallingford?
Nope. We bought a condo up in Lynn-hood awhile back. I was speaking to Dave at CPWM awhile back and he became visibly upset at the mere mention of your name.
You'll also be happy to know that I was recently promoted to . . . middle management.
Lynn-hood? Hipster points docked. Nice that you two are closer to church, though. And I knew you had it in you; congrats, Mister Middle Manager! You have arrived, my friend!
And, well, Dave is in the throes of grief of unrequited love, as you know.
This dialogue is really beefing up your comments section, Ingram. Well played.
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