During Lenten periods the Christian faithful are often tested with great temptations. The evil one tries his best to distract us with all his temptations. This is a time where we must recognize what is happening when we fall. The evil one wants nothing more than to distance us from God and the peace that only Christ and the Holy Spirit can bring us.
Each person must bear the weaknesses of others. Who is perfect? Who can boast that he has kept his heart undefiled? Hence, we are all sick, and whoever condemns his brother does not perceive that he himself is sick, because a sick person does not condemn another sick person.
Love, endure, overlook, do not get angry, do not flare up, forgive one another, so that you resemble our Christ and are counted worthy to be near Him in His Kingdom. My children, avoid condemnation—it is a very great sin. God is greatly saddened when we condemn and loathe people. Let us concern ourselves only with our own faults—for these we should feel pain. Let us condemn ourselves and then we shall find mercy and grace from God.
~ Counsels from the Holy Mountain: Selected From the Letters and Homilies of Elder Ephraim
Comments (4)
Lord have mercy.
(((hugs))) hope things get better soon!
This is an appropriate one to post at this time. I didn’t realize you were still going through things at church. I will pray for you and your family.
Such wise words! Lord have mercy.