Above everything is love. The thing that must concern you, my children, is love for other the person, for his soul. Whatever we do, whether is prayer or offering advice or pointing out some error, let us do it with love. Without love prayer is of no benefit, advice is hurtful and pointing out errors is harmful and destructive to the other person who senses whether we love him or not and reacts accordingly. Love, love, love! Love for our brother prepares us to love Christ more. Isn’t that perfect?

Let us scatter our love selflessly to all, without regard to the way they act toward us. When the grace of God enters us, we will not be concerned about whether they love us or not or whether they speak to us politely or not. We will feel the need to love all people. It’s egotism on our part to wish for others to speak to us politely. If they don’t we shouldn’t be upset. Let them speak to us as they wish. We needn’t become beggars for love. Our aim should be to love them with all our soul. Then we will become aware that all people love us without seeking it and without our begging for their love. They will love us freely and sincerely from the depths of their heart without our blackmailing them. When we love without seeking to be loved, people will gather around us like bees. This is true for everyone.

Wounded by Love: The Life and Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios, p. 18-182.