First Epistle to the Corinthians

The all-merciful and beneficent Father has compassion towards those who fear Him, and kindly and lovingly bestows His favors upon those who come to Him with a simple mind. Therefore, let us not be double-minded; nor let our soul be lifted up because of His exceedingly great and glorious gifts. Let it be far from us the saying, “Wretched are those who are double-minded, and with a doubting heart; who say, These things we have heard even in the times of our fathers; but, behold, we have grown old, and none of them has happened to us.” Foolish ones! Compare yourselves to a tree: take, for instance, the vine. First of all, it sheds its leaves, then it buds, next it puts forth leaves, and then it flowers; after that comes the sour grape, and then follows the ripened fruit. You see how in a little time the fruit of a tree matures. Truly, soon and suddenly shall His will be accomplished, as the Scripture also bears witness, saying, “He will come quickly, and will not delay;” and, “The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Holy One, for whom you look.”