Strength of Character
Strength of character is not an outward, external appearance; rather, it springs from the depths of a person: from his heart, mind, and will.
A person may be considered strong because of the strength of his mind, his intelligence, and his ability to understand, deduce, perceive, and comprehend information, together with a strong memory and its ability to collect and organize information.
There is no doubt that an intelligent person is a strong person.
He is strong because of the abundance of his knowledge and his broad learning. If he also combines these qualities, the strength of his character increases.
Likewise, one of the sources of strength of character is strength of will and determination.
Therefore, it was said that he who conquers himself is better than he who conquers a city. An intelligent person, if he does not have a strong will, may fail in life because he knows, but is unable to act.
For this reason, among the causes of weakness of character are hesitation and doubt, inability to control oneself, weakness of determination, and inability to settle matters and make decisions.
Fasting and spiritual practices are disciplines through which a person walks, strengthening his will and thereby strengthening his character.
A spiritual person is a strong person because he is victorious inwardly.
He is strong because he has overcome sin and Satan; he has overcome the flesh, matter, and the world. He entered into spiritual battles, and all the fiery weapons of the devil were unable to prevail against him.
Among the sources of strength as well are wisdom and sound judgment.
Therefore, those who possess wisdom are suitable for leadership and guidance, and they are able to attract others to them according to their wise management.
One of the qualities of strength of character is also courage.
Therefore, a person of strong character is the bold and courageous person who does not fear or become disturbed before opposing forces. He can express his opinion, confess his faith, and defend his doctrine.
How great is the difference between courage and recklessness, for recklessness is devoid of wisdom.
Therefore, character is considered strong when it possesses many conditions and aspects of true strength that support one another.
We say this so that you may distinguish between true strength and the false manifestations of power that depend on authority, physical strength, violence, pride, or oppression of others.
An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, published in El-Keraza Magazine, Year Ten, Issue Three, January 19, 1979.
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