The most important weapon to use against the devil is the Holy Cross, of which he is terrified. But make the sign of the Cross correctly: with the three fingers of the right hand joined together, touch your forehead, your abdomen, your right shoulder and finally your left shoulder. The sign of the Cross may be made in conjunction with prostrations.

The humble person believes that all things depend on Christ, and that Christ gives His grace and in that way he makes progress. The person who possesses holy humility lives even now in the earthly uncreated Church. He always has the joy of Christ, even in the most displeasing circumstances. We see this in the lives of the saints. What was St. Paul? He was a man like us. But what happened? He became an instrument of God, a chosen vessel (Acts 9:15). His words bear witness to this: “It is no longer I who live; Christ lives in me . . . for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Cf. Gal. 2:20 & Phil. 1:21) He was consumed by burning love for Christ. His humility raised him up to that state. To burn for God – that is everything!

We must all be humble: in thought, word and in behavior. We will never go before God and say, “I have virtues.” God does not want our virtues. Always appear before God as a sinner, not with despair, but trusting in the mercy of His compassion.

Taken from Wounded by Love: The Life and Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios