Gerhard and Walther

[It is a mark of the fear of God] that we patiently take up the cross that is placed upon us. For anyone who fears God knows that he has earned something far bigger with his sins before God the Lord. That’s why he patiently takes upon himself the tiny cross and humbles himself before the high majesty of God.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis III:81.

We Christians, who see and feel our common distress, who know we are increasingly forsaken by the world, must not forsake one another. We must extend helping hands, not shut our hearts before our poor brothers. Let us not become tired in giving and comforting one another so no brothers or sisters sigh and lament to God that they have been abandoned even by other Christians.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 449.