John Chrysostom quotes - page 3

John Chrysostom was an influential early Christian bishop and preacher, famed for his eloquent sermons and writings. Renowned as one of the greatest Church Fathers, he played a major role in shaping Christian theology and liturgy. He is remembered for his advocacy of social justice and his criticism of abuses within the church and society. Here are 123 of his quotes:

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.

John Chrysostom

When an archer desires to shoot his arrows successfully, he first takes great pains over his posture and aligns himself accurately with his mark. It should be the same for you who are about to shoot the head of the wicked devil. Let us be concerned first for the good order of sensations and then for the good posture of inner thoughts.'

John Chrysostom

The Jews were God's chosen people.

John Chrysostom

It is simply impossible to lead, without the aid of prayer, a virtuous life.

John Chrysostom

If you are a Christian, no earthly city is yours. Of our City ‘the Builder and Maker is God.' Though we may gain possession of the whole world, we are withal but strangers and sojourners in it all. We are enrolled in heaven: our citizenship is there! Let us not, after the manner of little children, despise things that are great, and admire those which are little! Not our city's greatness, but virtue of soul is our ornament and defence. If you suppose dignity to belong to a city, think how many persons must partake in this dignity, who are whoremongers, effeminate, depraved and full of ten thousand evil things, and at last despise such honour! But that City above is not of this kind; for it is impossible that he can be a partaker of it, who has not exhibited every virtue.

John Chrysostom

No matter how just your words may be, when you speak with anger, you ruin all: no matter how boldly you speak, how fairly reprove, or what not.

John Chrysostom

A comprehended god is no god.

John Chrysostom

Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward & learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.

John Chrysostom

And should you hear any one in the public thoroughfare, or in the midst of the forum, blaspheming God; go up to him and rebuke him; and should it be necessary to inflict blows, spare not to do so. Smite him on the face; strike his mouth; sanctify thy hand with the blow...

John Chrysostom

Whatever you may do for your brother, being hungry, and a stranger, and naked, not even the devil will be able to despoil, but it will be laid up in an inviolabe treasure.

John Chrysostom

I do not think there are many among Bishops that will be saved, but many more that perish.

John Chrysostom

As it is not to be imagined that the fornicator and the blasphemer can partake of the sacred Table, so it is impossible that he who has an enemy, and bears malice, can enjoy the holy Communion.... I forewarn, and testify, and proclaim this with a voice that all may hear! ‘Let no one who hath an enemy draw near the sacred Table, or receive the Lord's Body! Let no one who draws near have an enemy! Do you have an enemy? Draw not near! Do you wish to draw near? Be reconciled, and then draw near, and touch the Holy Thing!

John Chrysostom

And all men are ready to pass judgement on the priest as if he was not a being clothed with flesh, or one who inherited a human nature.

John Chrysostom

If we must remember offenses, let us remember only our own.

John Chrysostom

Nothing is so agreeable to God as a grateful and thankful soul.

John Chrysostom

Dost thou wish to receive mercy? Show mercy to thy neighbor.

John Chrysostom

What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger. Start by satisfying his hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar as well.

John Chrysostom

If repentance is neglected for an instant, one can lose the power of the Resurrection as he lives with the weakness of tepidity and the potential of his fall.

John Chrysostom

Fasting of the body is food for the soul.

John Chrysostom

It brings comfort to have companions in whatever happens.

John Chrysostom

He loved us when we hated Him, and also continues to love us... And how comes it, some will say, that one who is our Friend threatens hell, and punishment, and vengeance? It is owing to His loving us alone. For all He does and is busied with, is with a view to strike out your wickedness, and to refrain with fear, as with a kind of bridle, your inclinableness to the worse side, and by blessings and by pains recovering you from your downward course, and leading you up to Him, and keeping you from all vice, which is worse than hell.

John Chrysostom

If you knew how quickly people would forget you after your death, you would not seek in your life to please anyone but God.

John Chrysostom