Faithfulness and the Spiritual Life
The General Idea of the Lecture
This lecture explains the correct spiritual approach to reproof and love within the Christian life, through examples from the way the Lord Christ dealt with His disciples before and after the Resurrection. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that true reproof is not an attack or condemnation, but rather an expression of love and concern for the salvation of a person, and it should be done with gentleness and tenderness.
Reproof as a Sign of Love
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that reproof is not given to everyone, but only to beloved ones, because reproof is connected to love and close relationship. The Lord Christ did not reproach His enemies or those who opposed Him, but reproached His disciples and loved ones because they are able to accept reproof and benefit from it.
Christ’s Method in Reproof
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents several examples from the Gospel showing the gentleness of Christ in reproof, such as His reproach to Peter when He said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Also His question to Peter after the Resurrection three times: “Do you love Me?”, which is an indirect reproof aimed at restoring Peter to his spiritual strength without harsh rebuke or insult.
Reproof for the Salvation of Man
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the goal of reproof is not condemnation but the correction and salvation of a person. Therefore when the Lord Christ reproached His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane He said to them, “Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation,” explaining that the advice and reproof were for their spiritual benefit and not for the benefit of Christ.
Gentleness and Kindness in Reproof
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III stresses that reproof should be gentle and should begin by mentioning the good points in the person before pointing to the mistake. It should also include understanding the excuses of others, like Christ’s words: “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Wisdom in the Timing of Reproof
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III clarifies that it is not wise for a person to reproach in every situation, because excessive reproof may become a source of annoyance and alienation. Therefore the Lord Christ sometimes overlooked certain matters without reproach, especially when the person was in a state of weakness or sorrow.
The Spiritual Goal of the Teaching
The spiritual goal of these teachings is for the believer to learn how to deal with others with the spirit of Christ, combining truth and love, and offering advice and reproof in a way that builds the person rather than hurts him, helping him toward repentance and spiritual growth.
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