His Holiness Pope Shenouda III’s Lecture at the Book Fair — A Talk on Strength

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks in this lecture about strength in its broad sense, distinguishing between the absolute divine strength and the various forces that appear in man and nature, and affirming that the intended meaning is inner moral and spiritual strength, not physical violence.

The main idea of the lecture

The main idea is that strength is a virtue that should be cultivated in the spirit, the soul, the personality, and the will, and that it requires a balance between inner firmness and self-control, and it is not measured by mere bodily appearance or by dominance and violence.

Types of strength mentioned

• God’s strength: absolute and miraculous power appearing in creation, miracles, and the resurrection.

• Spiritual strength: enables a person to overcome lusts, the devil, and sin.

• Strength of the soul: self-control and victory over bad habits, anxiety, and agitation.

• Bodily strength: physical power like Samson but insufficient if inner control is absent.

• Personal strength: the influence of mind, argument, memory, and the ability to persuade and lead.

• Strength of will and determination: the ability to continue projects and face currents and resistance.

Practical and ethical manifestations of strength

True strength appears in endurance before hardships and disturbances and not surrendering to anger or revenge, and in bearing the weaknesses of others with mercy. Spiritual strength does not cause arrogance nor is it used to humiliate people but benefits and serves them.

Strength, prayer, and faith

His Holiness links strength to prayer and strong faith: the believer’s prayer and faith give him the ability to prevail and effectiveness in response, so spiritual strength is drawn from God and used with submission and humility.

Spiritual and educational conclusion

The summary is that strength is a gift from God to be sought and cultivated: an inner strength balanced with peace, self-control, and mercy, that makes a person a righteous leader not a tyrant, and turns strength into service and love rather than pride or arrogance.

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