The Humble Fears God -part 4

The lecture revolves around the deep relationship between humility and the fear of God. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the humble person realizes his weakness and fears God with a holy fear that leads him to caution and avoiding sin, not a fear that leads to despair.

The True Fear of God

The fear of God is not terror, but reverence and awe that drive a person to be careful in his spiritual life. This fear protects a person from falling and keeps him always vigilant against the enemy’s wars.

The Danger of Self-Reliance

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III warns that if a person relies on his righteousness or spiritual beauty, he will fall just as the soul that God enriched with His grace but deviated due to pride. Therefore, a person must not forget his weakness or his sins.

Humility as the Path of Salvation

True humility appears in a person’s constant feeling that he is a sinner and in need of God continually. Even the saints saw themselves as sinners, because this feeling preserves them in grace.

Continuous Struggle

The spiritual life is not a stage that ends, but a continuous struggle. Therefore, a person must live in a state of constant repentance, asking for God’s help, and being cautious of falling مهما he progresses spiritually.

Warning Examples

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents examples from the Holy Bible such as the people who crossed the Red Sea but perished in the wilderness, and Lot’s wife who was saved then perished, to confirm that a good beginning is not enough without perseverance.

Balance Between Fear and Hope

Holy fear must be accompanied by hope and faith, because God works with man. So a person should not despair, but walk carefully with trust in God’s mercy.

The True Spiritual Goal

The goal is not to gain gifts or miracles, but purity of heart and union with God. Loving God and seeking purity of heart are the true path to salvation.

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