Steadfastness in prayer.

Further on, it states: “Ask, and it will be given to you,” as the Lord teaches steadfastness, patience and fervency in prayer. A genuine Christian, in recalling the Lord’s directive: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” will not start to pursue anything disconcerting that is harmful to the soul’s salvation. That’s why he should be convinced that he who prays fervently — as the Lord promised - it will be given and it will be opened through his prayers. Evangelist Matthew states: “Your Father, who is in Heaven give you good things to those who ask Him!”; while Saint Luke elucidates, which specific blessings one should need and ask for “Your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” A father will not give something harmful to his son. That’s why the Lord will give a person only that which is truly a blessing to him.

In concluding His teachings concerning our relationship with others, the Lord pronounces a rule that He calls golden: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.” This rule contains — “The law and the Prophets” (Mat. 7:12), inasmuch as love for others is a reflection of love for God, just as the love for a brother is a reflection of love toward parents.