God has given us the power, if we want it, to forgive each other’s sins. And
yes, you do not have the ability to have mercy on your brother’s body, but you
have mercy on his soul. And what greater mercy is there than that which is
offered to the soul? For just as the soul is of greater value than the body, so
the alms offered to the soul is of greater value than that which is offered to the
body. So then no one can say: “I cannot give alms.” Everyone can, according
to his strength and according to his condition. Only, one must be mindful of
the good one does, and do it with awareness, as we have said of every other
virtue. For we have said that he who acts with awareness, he is the
acknowledged craftsman who builds his house safely.
St. Dorotheos of Gaza
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
He gave us the power
