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“Helping a person in need is good in itself. But the degree of goodness is hugely affected by the attitude with which it is done. If you show resentment because you are helping the person out of a reluctant sense of duty, then the person may recieve your help but may feel awkward and embarrassed. This is because he will feel beholden to you. If,on the other hand, you help the person in a spirit of joy, then the help will be received joyfully. The person will feel neither demeaned nor humiliated by your help, but rather will feel glad to have caused you pleasure by receiving your help. And joy is the appropriate attitude with which to help others because acts of generosity are a source of blessing to the giver as well as the receiver.”
― St. John Chrysostom

However much we are stretched by our trials, by so much do our consolations increase, giving us firmer hopes for the future. For now everything is flowing along well for us, and we are sailing with four winds. Who could have foreseen this? Who could have foretold? Reefs and shoals, whirlpools and hurricanes all threaten shipwreck—a moonless night, darkest gloom, precipices and crags. And yet through all this we are settled, sailing on such seas that we are no worse off than a ship rocking in a harbor.
Taking all these things into account, therefore, most beloved by God, be lifted up above these tumults and billowing waves. Do not give yourself over to the tyranny of despair, but conquer the storm with reason. You can do it, for the surging sea is not stronger than your ability to master it.
Therefore, in reflecting on these things, scatter the cloud of despondency. Consider this: that the pleasant and sorrowful things of this present life are altogether passing away. If the gate is narrow and the way is hemmed in, still it is a way.
And now, escaping from the earth, and especially from the bond of the flesh, open the wings of your wisdom, not letting it be submerged by shadows and smoke, nor drawn down earthward. Meditating upon these things within yourself, most beloved by God, throw off this heavy burden of despondency.
—Saint John Chrysostom