Self-Reproach

General introduction
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks in this lecture about a central virtue which is self-reproach, affirming that it is the gate of repentance and spiritual blessing. He urges the person to judge himself honestly without justification or excuses so that God accepts his repentance and he increases in humility and mercy in his heart.

Main idea
Inner sincere reproach of the self is the beginning of repentance. Whoever reproaches himself does not justify or place his sins on others, and thereby opens the door of forgiveness before him because God accepts the penitent who confesses his sins. Whoever does not reproach himself remains satisfied with his condition, and falls into self-righteousness and harshness toward others.

How self-reproach leads to spiritual transformation

• Self-reproach leads to contrition, humility, and spiritual tears, which are signs of a broken heart accepted by God.
• A person who judges himself becomes more merciful and compassionate toward the sinful, and seeks reconciliation instead of accusation.
• Honest self-examination enables true confession before God and the shepherd; confession does not turn into complaints about others.

Examples and applications from Scripture and tradition
The lecture cites stories and examples (such as the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the story of David with Nathan, the sinful woman before Christ, and other historical situations) to clarify that whoever confessed his sins found mercy, and whoever justified himself fell into condemnation and hardness of heart.

Practical and social benefits
Self-reproach helps resolve disputes (when each party reproaches himself people reconcile easily), prevents cruel behavior and injustice, and leads to gentler relationships among people and a more merciful society.

Warning against pretense and false blame
True humility is not a staged praise or externally repeating the phrase “I am a sinner.” What is required is fair and sincere self-examination, without excuses or pampering the self. Displaying humility nullifies its spiritual fruit.

Spiritual conclusion
The person who reproaches himself sincerely lives continual spiritual growth: he is forgiven, he increases in humility, and the devil’s opportunities to infiltrate his heart are reduced. Therefore, self-examination must be without flattery, with precision and justice, so that it leads to true repentance and a continuous behavioral change.

Humility

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