Every month on the Jewish calendar has its own personal "trait": the trait associated with Elul, the month of repentance, is "nitzachon" - victory. Every Jew faces a constant battle in the quest to maintain holiness. We succeed in conquering our Evil Inclination only with G-d's help, which we merit by being kind to others. (Likutei HaShas Meha'Arizal; the Talmud)
Reprinted from the Parashat Shoftim 5761/2001 edition of L’Chaim