Man’s Attitude toward Grace and Personal Struggle
- Balance between Grace and Struggle
His Holiness teaches that salvation is not achieved by grace alone without struggle, nor by struggle alone without grace. Grace is the divine power that works within us, but it does not act in the lazy—it works in those who strive. Man must offer his will to God and labor in repentance and virtue, while attributing every success to God’s grace. - Warning against Extremes
He warns against two errors: those who rely only on their efforts, neglecting grace, and those who depend solely on grace, neglecting effort. The Orthodox faith teaches a balance—cooperation between divine grace and human free will. - Free Will and the Role of Grace
God created man with free will, capable of choosing good or evil. Grace works with the will that chooses good but never forces it. God stands at the door and knocks, waiting for man’s response. Likewise, the devil tempts but never coerces. - Humility and Giving Glory to God
Sometimes grace withdraws partially so that man learns humility and realizes his weakness. Every virtue is from God, not from human strength, so no one should boast of his righteousness. - Spiritual Struggle and Training
Saints struggled “unto blood” against sin, as St. Paul said. True struggle means using God’s power, not self-reliance. Spiritual disciplines are beneficial when practiced with the help of the Holy Spirit, not by mere human effort. - Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
The Christian life is a partnership between man and the Holy Spirit. Man offers his will, and the Spirit empowers him. Every good deed is the fruit of this cooperation between human effort and divine grace. - Perseverance and Growth in Grace
Grace increases in those who accept it with gratitude and perseverance, but departs from the proud or negligent. Therefore, steadfastness in grace requires continual prayer, humility, and struggle, always recognizing that victory belongs to God alone.
General Message:
Salvation is a divine gift of grace, yet it requires man’s free cooperation and constant struggle. Grace does not cancel freedom—it works through it, leading man to holiness through unity of human will with divine purpose.
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