An experience of God is, first of all, an inner assurance that through faith in God, the Christian finds the true meaning of his life. He feels that his faith in Christ is a faith that satisfies him internally, that give meaning to his live and guides him – that is a strong light which is enlightens him. When he thus feels the Christian faith inside him, he has started to live the Grace of God, God is not something external for him.
A fire can not be ignited with wet wood, nor can the divine fervour be kindled in a heart which loves ease.
The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian
You should rejoice because you are a daughter of Christ our God. What a great honor, and a great joy that we are called brothers of god. This indicates His great love for us. Those whom God loves are tested and those who are tested a little receive crowning honors. The Holy Spirit tells us, those who are sick, whom God loves, He witnesses to see their patience, faith and love and He will reward them greatly. He will give them the Eternal Kingdom and all the goodness of Paradise.
“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos”
Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras
“Do not be negligent, for prolonged indifference will diminish the light, rather study and grow strong, always asking for divine grace, having learned that your strength is in God. Have as your example every virtue so that you may hear from your Lord the sweet voice saying, “Come to me good and faithful servant, good worker in my mystical vineyard, you have been faithful in a little way, I will reward you in a great way, come forth unto the joy of your Lord.:
For you to be worthy to hear the meek voice of the Lord you must become humble. Learn from the humility of the Lord and ask for the grace of humility so that the Lord may raise you up and reward your works.”
“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos”
Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras
“It is for us to confess with contrition of heart that all the good words are done by the grace and help of God. We people, without God can do nothing. Whatever we have, our being, our life, health, strength, wisdom, and riches are gifts of God. We ourselves are nothing, for out of nothing were we created. Every good thing, therefore that we do is by the grace of God. The Apostle Paul, who worked and suffered greatly said in humility, not me but the grace of God that is in me. We may labor, but if we do not have the Grace of God or the intercessions of the Saints our labors will amount to nothing.
Let us then humble ourselves and ask the Lord to give us true and fervent faith…
“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos” Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras
“Three things that are necessary and soul saving I want to tell you my beloved children that you should watch and guard always. They are great patience, True Orthodox faith and above all love for God and your neighbors, even for your enemies.
Do these things and keep the commandments of the Lord and as many times as you sin, repent and confess. Thus in this way you will be saved and inherit the kingdom. Without the sacrament of confession, very few will be saved.
Our whole life is a time of preparation, a time for repentance and salvation.
Blessed and joyful is he who dies in repentance.
I pray that the Lord will save us all. Amen.”
“Spiritual Advice of the Elder Philotheos Zervakos” Translated by Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameras
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