Father Stephen had the following quote from Saint Seraphim of Sarov posted on his blog today. When I saw it, I knew it should have been a part of my Lenten Challenge. I am a fairly direct person (some would say blunt…and they wouldn’t be wrong) and I have a military background.  Those two things in tandem leave me with a tendency to be less gentle and kind with my family members than I ought to be. By the way if you haven’t been reading Father Stephen’s blog lately, you are missing out on some great articles.

Beautiful FeetYou cannot be too gentle, too kind.

Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other.

Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of him who gives and kindles joy in the heart of him who receives.

All condemnation is from the devil. Never condemn each other…

Instead of condemning others, strive to reach inner peace.

Keep silent, refrain from judgment. This will raise you above the deadly arrows of slander, insult, and outrage and will shield your glowing hearts against all evil.