For since to speak of virginity seemed to be grievous, by the constraint of this law He drove them to this desire....secretly leading them to choose the thing, and establishing the possibility of this virtue...But when He saith, that they made themselves eunuchs, He means not the excision of the members, far from it, but the putting away of wicked thoughts. Since the man who hath mutilated himself, in fact, is subject even to a curse, as Paul saith...And if it is of free choice, one may say, how doth He say, at the beginning, "All men do not receive it, but they to whom it is given?" That thou mightest learn that the conflict is great....For it is given to those, even to the willing....much influence from above is needed...whereof He that is willing shall surely partake.
-St. John Chrysostom, Homily 62 on Matthew 19, 4th Century


One must behave affectionately toward one’s neighbors, not showing even a hint of offense. When we turn away from a person or offend him, it is as if a rock settles on our heart. One must try to cheer the spirit of an embarrassed or dejected person with words of love.
-St. Seraphim of Sarov, Unknown, 19th century