The person who loves God cannot help loving every man as himself, even though he is grieved by the passions of those who are not yet purified. But when they amend their lives, his delight is indescribable and knows no bounds. (Maximos the Confessor)

True grief does not patronize. True grief requires empathy.

Empathy is to fully experience another's reality. Empathy is most complete when it comes from memory rather than imagination.

In grief I recognize my own weakness and failure. Joyfully I celebrate the victory of another and am renewed in my own.

With thanks and praise, I perceive the grace of God that is the source of every strength.

Without the pain of failure, would we experience the delight of being fulfilled?