Seminar by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III at the Book Fair – A Word on Power

1. General introduction

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the concept of strength explaining that true strength is not violence or domination but a divine attribute and an ethical requirement for peoples and individuals. The strength he means is the capacity of the spirit and soul more than bodily capacity.

2. Types of strength

• God’s strength: God is the supreme source of strength, and it is a miraculous strength that appears in creation, miracles and the resurrection.
• The spirit’s strength: the believer’s ability to overcome sin and the temptations of the devil, and it is the spiritual strength that prevents yielding to passions.
• The soul’s strength: self-discipline and control over bad habits, anxiety and hesitation, making the soul steadfast not shaken before afflictions.
• Personality strength: strength of mind, argument, memory, and the ability to influence and lead, which makes the person able to attract others to the truth.
• Will and determination strength: the ability to move forward, face opposing currents, and complete projects with steadiness.
• Endurance (tolerance) strength: the person’s ability to endure and be patient before insults, illnesses and bad news.
• Prayer and faith strength: answered prayer and strong faith give real strength because the Lord listens and acts.

3. Characteristics of the spiritually strong person

The strong person is not arrogant or harsh; rather humble, uses his strength to serve others, controls his anger and nerves, and does not allow rumors to unsettle him. True strength is accompanied by love and service.

4. Practical application and examples

His Holiness cites historical witnesses and life situations to clarify how strength appears in leadership and self-control, and how personal strength is used to protect truth and serve the community not to misuse it.

5. Spiritual conclusion

Strength is a gift from God given to man to serve, endure and pray strongly. What is required is that strength accompany humility and service, not be a means for arrogance or domination.

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