Self-Denial

“Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.”

““No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.”

““I will not enter my house or get into my bed,”

“He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.”

“and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite.”

“I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were completed.”

“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

“And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.”