On the Love and Humility of God. Elder Ephraim of Arizona.

Elder Ephraim of Arizona.

Love is the Christian's triumph over the devil, hatred, and envy. In order to reach the divine harbour of God's love, we must first fear Him as God, Who chastens sin and transgression. It is not possible to cross the sea and reach the harbour without a boat. Likewise, it is impossible to reach the harbour of love without repentance. The fear of God appoints us com­mander and captain in the boat of repentance, and it takes us across the murky sea of life and guides us to the divine harbour of divine love. Just as we are unable to live without air likewise it is impossible to live in the eternal life with God if we do not breathe the very sweet and fragrant air of God's love.

Let us shake off the burden of our sins with the power of repentance, and thenceforth light and free as eagles, let us fly high above where the eternal God has stored up the inex­haustible treasures of virtue and wisdom, so that we may drink the waters of eternal life and be deified, as the Scrip­tures say: "You are gods, and all of you are the sons of the Most High."

On Slander and Condemnation.Elder Ephraim of Arizona.

Elder Ephraim of Arizona.

Slander is a great evil. Just as the little rudder steers the whole ship wherever it wants, likewise the tongue leads a person either to good or to evil. The holy fathers greatly censure judging other people’s sins, faults, or evil habits. When we judge our brother, we condemn ourselves to a great sin. But when we cover our brother, God will also protect us from great sins. When we expose our brother, we drive the grace of God away from us and He permits us to fall into the same sins so that we learn that we are all weak and that the grace of God supports us. Whoever guards his tongue guards his soul from great sins and grievous falls. The chief cause of criticism and slander is pride and egotism, because one considers oneself better than the others. For this reason it is very beneficial for a person to think of himself as below everyone, so that he considers his brother than him in order that, with the help of God, he may be delivered from this evil.

If something pushes you to criticism in any matter regarding a brother or the monastery, try to pray about the matter instead, without passing it under the judgment of your reason. If you turn within yourself through prayer, humility, and mourning, you will find a spiritual treasure—just keep pride and criticism far from you.