If you are healthy and rich
alleviate the need of whoever is sick and poor;
if you have not fallen,
go to the aid of whoever has fallen
and lives in suffering;
if you are glad, comfort whoever is sad;
if you are fortunate,
help whoever is smitten with misfortune.
Give God proof of your gratitude for you are one
who can benefit and not one
who needs to be benefited….
Be rich not only in possessions but also in piety;
not only in gold but in virtue,
or rather, in virtue alone.
Outdo your neighbour’s reputation
by showing yourself to be kinder than all;
make yourself God for the unfortunate,
imitating God’s mercy.
Saint Gregory Nazianzus
