A life of innocence, purity and purity
The lecture explains that true purity is not only an external appearance, but an internal purity in the heart, thought and inner self. There are degrees in purity: getting rid of apparent sins first, then facing and being certain that some hidden deposits may remain in the heart and subconscious.
Spiritual tests and trials:
The saints often weep over their sins because their spiritual growth reveals their weakness. A person may feel free from sin because the Lord has lifted the war from him temporarily, but this does not mean stability; he must be tested by situations to show whether the purity is real or just temporary comfort.
Difference between not fighting and spiritual victory:
True purity is shown by spiritual battles and victory in them; it is not a state of absence of war. Children may show apparent purity because they have not yet entered the spiritual war, while mature ones may have fought and won or resisted strongly.
Hidden sins and the inner self:
His Holiness explains that there are sins deposited in the subconscious (like grudges or old desires) that may appear later if they are not drained; therefore it is not enough to forgive outwardly but one must drain the deposits from the heart and subconscious.
Purity of thought, dreams and suspicions:
True purity extends to thought, dreams and suspicions — if bad thoughts or dreams or evil suspicions exist, the subconscious mind has not yet been purified. Dreams and suspicions must also be purified for purity to be complete.
Positive purity — fruits of love:
Purity is not only refraining from evil, but must be positive with the presence of love of God and the fruits of the Spirit in the heart; the pure heart shows real spiritual fruits and is used by God, not by the world.
Practical application from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective:
The way includes continuous repentance, reading the Scriptures, prayer and vigil with God, constant watchfulness and not being proud, and using the world without letting it enter the depths of the heart. The goal is to live the love of God with all the heart, mind and strength and to bear the fruits of the Spirit.
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