What Is the Will and How Does It Weaken?

His Holiness Pope Shenouda meditates on St. Paul’s words: “The will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find,” explaining the nature of human will and its weakness before sin.

1. Freedom of the Will

God created man with a free will in His image, but set boundaries so it does not go astray—such as the Ten Commandments and moral laws that preserve order and justice. True freedom is not absolute; it is disciplined freedom that respects others’ rights and God’s commandments.

2. Causes of Weak Will

• Desire: When sin dwells in the heart, it enslaves the mind to justify it, and the will becomes weak. One must resist desire from its beginning before it takes root.

• Habits and Temperaments: Repeated sins become habits, and habits turn into dominating traits. St. Paul said, “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

• Temptation: As Eve fell under the serpent’s temptation, every form of temptation weakens the will; staying away keeps it strong.

• External Pressure: From family, leaders, or society. The weak will yields easily; the strong will resists and stands firm.

• Public Current: Following what everyone does weakens character. Reformers stood firmly against the current and changed the world.

• Obstacles: The strong person overcomes obstacles, as did St. Mark and the Desert Fathers who faced hardships with strong will.

• Weak Personality: Fear, hesitation, and anxiety make the will unstable and indecisive.

3. How to Strengthen the Will

• Self-Control: Do not follow every desire; learn to say “no” to yourself.

• Forcing Oneself to Do Good: Compel yourself to pray and do good until it becomes a natural joy.

• Fear of God: Holy fear gives power to avoid sin.

• Spiritual Guidance and Encouragement: Wise counsel and kind encouragement help strengthen inner will.

Conclusion

The will is a divine gift that weakens through desire, habit, and temptation, and is strengthened through prayer, self-control, and fear of God. The strong-willed person leads his life toward good, not by being driven by lusts or pressures.

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