The Spiritual Person and the Complete Character

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III spoke about the complete character, explaining that the spiritual person does not live by one virtue only, but by a harmony of all virtues together. Virtues do not contradict each other but complement one another. A true Christian is simple without being naive, and wise without being complicated.

The Balance Between Simplicity and Wisdom

The Pope explained that simplicity does not mean foolishness, but purity of heart with intelligence of mind. As Christ said: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” The true believer’s heart is pure like a child’s, but the mind is discerning and alert, not allowing anyone to deceive him under the name of love or obedience.

Not Building One Virtue at the Expense of Another

The Pope emphasized that some lose themselves by clinging to a single virtue—like obedience without discernment, kindness without firmness, or love without wisdom. The complete person balances love with discipline, humility with strength, meekness with courage.

Biblical Examples of Balance

He gave several scriptural examples:

• Joseph the Righteous was kind and loving, yet also strong and respected.

• Moses the Prophet was exceedingly meek but showed strength when confronting idolatry.

• Abraham was gentle and hospitable, yet bold and authoritative when needed.

• Jesus Christ embodied perfection, combining compassion with majesty, forgiveness with justice, simplicity with wisdom.

Balance Between Service and Contemplation

A complete Christian balances service and contemplation. Christ preached in cities and villages but spent nights in prayer. Likewise, the saints lived both solitude and service. The believer’s life must harmonize spiritual work and inner prayer, reflection and ministry.

Balance in Relationships and Parenting

The Pope explained that a father or servant must unite love with firmness—neither spoiling under the name of mercy nor harshly ruling under the name of discipline. True spiritual leadership is founded on love, responsibility, and discernment.

The Call to Spiritual Maturity

In conclusion, His Holiness taught that completeness is not contradiction but harmony. The mature Christian knows when to be silent and when to speak, when to be gentle and when to act decisively, when to serve and when to pray. Thus, the believer reflects the full image of God in strength, meekness, love, and wisdom.

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