From the Fruits of the Spirit (Faith)
First: Faith as a Fruit of the Spirit
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about faith as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, not merely an idea or theoretical belief. True faith is a spiritual gift that appears in a person’s life and behavior, and it is a natural fruit of the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the heart.
Second: The Difference Between Theoretical and Practical Faith
He explains that there is a theoretical faith similar to the faith of demons, as they believe in the existence of God but resist Him. The required faith, however, is faith working through love, whose truth appears in deeds. As Scripture says, “faith without works is dead,” therefore it is not enough to recite the Creed, but we must live by it.
Third: Faith and Daily Life
Faith is not just a word, but a whole life that includes thought, behavior, and relationships. Whoever believes that God sees him does not sin, and whoever believes that God is with him does not fear. Fear, doubt, and despair are signs of weak faith, but strong faith grants inner peace and unwavering steadfastness.
Fourth: Faith in Trials and Tribulations
Faith is tested in tribulations. Just as Daniel did not fear in the lions’ den, nor the three youths in the fiery furnace, likewise the true believer remains steadfast in trial. Tribulation does not mean the absence of God, but may be a field for showing the power of faith.
Fifth: Degrees of Faith
Faith has degrees; it begins weak and grows until it becomes able to move mountains. Therefore, a person needs to examine himself continually: Is he truly in the faith? And do his deeds testify to his faith?
Sixth: The Fruits of Faith
Correct faith produces in the heart peace, joy, and confidence in God’s care. Whoever believes that God is the Controller of all lives reassured, prays with confidence, worships with reverence, and lives in holiness because he believes that he is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Spiritual Message
The educational essence of the lecture is that faith is not a word to be spoken, but a divine power to be lived. True faith changes the heart, strengthens the person, makes him steadfast in truth, reassured in tribulation, working through love, and awaiting eternity.
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