The Children of God Are Manifest and the Children of the Devil Are Manifest

Introduction and general idea
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that John’s message affirms that the children of God and the children of the devil are both manifest, but their features differ completely. The spiritual aim is that believers be clear in their life and conduct so that they are distinguished from the people of the world.

Spiritual and behavioral distinction
Believers are distinguished by the image of God in them: in their speech, gentleness, kindness, and in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. This distinction makes them like a city on a hill and like a lamp that is not hidden.

Warning against mingling
The saint warns against mixing with the customs and ideas of the world because mingling weakens the distinction of the spiritual self, and he reminds with biblical examples (David, Samson, Solomon) who were affected and fell because of their mingling.

Perseverance as an inner strength
Inner perseverance — the roots of faith — prevents attraction to sin or being affected by corrupt ideas. The strong believer is the one in whom the word of God is established and who can resist temptation and heresy.

The missional influence
The children of God are not only abstainers from sin, but they influence their surroundings: they move people to improvement, and act as salt and light in the world, bearing a righteous example.

Endurance in difficult times
In times of deviation and apostasy, the elect remain manifest; their endurance and strength prevent apostasy from gaining power over them, as the apostolic letters state.

Characteristics of the manifest appearance
What is manifest in the children of God appears in their strength in the word, in their love, in their service work, in their simple humble yet strong conduct, and in their influence that cannot be denied.

Prayer and practical application
The conclusion is a call to ask the Lord to give us the spirit of perseverance and strength to be manifest children in the world: a model, a blessing, a light and salt for the earth.

Perseverance

Manifestation

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