A New Trend in Wellness: A Reflection from an Orthodox Christian Perspective

Today, I encountered an intriguing trend in the realm of healthcare and wellness: doctors are now prescribing nature walks and visits to art shows as part of their treatment plans to promote better health outcomes.

Why It Matters: This trend, known as "social prescription," highlights a growing recognition of nonclinical approaches to improve well-being. According to The New York Times' Christina Caron, this practice has gained traction in several countries, including the U.S., the U.K., China, India, South Korea, and Australia. Doctors suggest these social activities to combat feelings of isolation and stress, which can significantly deteriorate one's health and shorten lifespan.

While this initiative underscores an essential shift towards holistic health models, it also prompts a reflection on the depth of traditional Christian spirituality, which seems absent from such modern approaches. In the pursuit of genuine happiness and well-being, Orthodox Christianity offers a profoundly rich path that goes beyond merely alleviating symptoms of distress.

A Deeper Prescription: As Orthodox Christians, we understand that true health encompasses the body, soul, and spirit. To this end, our daily practices include prayer—such as the Jesus Prayer—fasting, reading scripture, participating in the sacraments, and living out the virtues taught by Christ. These spiritual disciplines are not just activities but ways of life that aim to restore our full humanity in the image of God.

Repentance plays a critical role in this journey, allowing us to realign ourselves with God’s will whenever we fall short. This continuous striving for holiness and communion with God embodies the Orthodox way of life, offering a transformative experience that promises not only temporal joy but eternal well-being.

Explore Further: For those interested in discovering how these timeless practices can enrich your life, I recommend exploring the Ten Points of Orthodox Life, which provide practical steps towards embracing this holistic spiritual path. You can learn more about these transformative practices here.

While modern healthcare's recognition of nonclinical methods like social prescriptions is commendable, it may only scratch the surface of what constitutes true wellness. In contrast, Orthodox Christianity offers a comprehensive way of life that addresses the deepest needs of the human heart and soul, guiding us toward ultimate health and union with God.

How do our sins affect our knowledge of God? Insights from Saint Symeon

Saint Symeon, a significant figure in Eastern Orthodox theology, teaches that our sins erect a barrier between us and God, impeding our spiritual connection with Him. This barrier, he explains, can only be surmounted through persistent repentance. While this barrier exists, Symeon asserts, “It cuts us off from the light, leaving us to grope in darkness." 

We must know ourselves before we can expect to know God who is so incomparably superior to us. 

Symeon says, 

For to speak about God and divine things without illumination, while deprived of the Holy Spirit, simply shows our ignorance—and rightly so, for if we knew ourselves accurately, we would never reckon ourselves worthy to look at heaven to see the light of the world, not even to walk on earth; instead we would run to bury our selves under the dirt.

According to Saint Symeon, those who speak of God with pride, lacking the Holy Spirit's guidance, engage in pseudo-theology, relying solely on worldly wisdom. The Scriptures affirm that wisdom belongs to God alone, and as fallible beings, we all need repentance and heartfelt confession. This journey involves seeking a spiritual mentor who can guide us towards a sincere confession before God. Symeon's vision of repentance encompasses trust in one's spiritual mentor, obedience in daily tasks, care for others, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. True repentance, he suggests, dispels ignorance and fosters a deeper understanding of God. "Becoming rich in the communion of our faith" is achieved through repentance, which purifies us and invites the Holy Spirit's illumination.

This journey of spiritual growth takes place within the Church and aligns with the teachings of Holy Scripture. It is a humble path, following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Saint Symeon warns against following unenlightened preachers. He advises avoiding those who have not been spiritually purified and who lack a deep, mystical understanding of God's commandments. He references biblical examples like Elijah, who was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), and Jesus, who ascended with a host of angels, to illustrate the need for divine assistance in elevating our minds to understand heavenly mysteries. We should adhere to the teachings of the Apostles and be wary of those who rely solely on philosophy and intellectual arguments, as their understanding is limited.

Symeon concludes with a vision of spiritual fulfillment: “There lies the tranquil abode of incorruptible life, the joyful gathering of those who celebrate in the Spirit. To them be all glory, honor, and adoration, now and forever, and through the ages.” This is the ultimate destination for those who walk the path of humility and spiritual insight.

Reference: https://maksimologija.org/2020/11/16/st-symeon-the-new-theologian-theological-discourse-2/

How to Strengthen Our Relationship with God

Improving your relationship with God involves an ongoing transformative journey. 

You need a life firmly based on faith in the Gospel teachings along with a constant effort to overcome your struggles to become like Christ. This path involves embracing the practices and principles rooted in the Orthodox tradition and following the example of Jesus. Here are some key points that can help you move closer to God.

1. Deepen you faith by Studying the teachings of Christ found in Gospel stories. 

The necessary faith is developed through consistent study of the life and words of Jesus found in the New Testament. When you study them, read them as a story being told by eyewitnesses and about events that seem beyond reason. Not everything can be rationalized in what these writers experienced. In your study you will gain essential insights into the mystical nature of faith and develop a full understanding about Jesus’ character and virtues, particularly His meekness and humility. Christ, God born in flesh, is the fulfillment of the image that God has given all of us. Jesus being fully human, serves as an example for you to emulate as you navigate your own spiritual journey. As you read Scripture, you will encounter stories of God's magnificent works and witness His immense love revealed through His creation and the ultimate sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the Cross. Contemplating the depth of God's love and the selflessness of Christ's sacrifice,  let this inspire you to respond with gratitude, awe, and a desire to return and imitate His love and humility in your own life.

2. Align your life with God’s commandments and the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church. 

It is not enough to understand by reading Scripture what God expects of you. You must learn to become like Christ. You must learn to think like Him and act like Him. This may seem like an impossible task. This task is our purpose and the role of His Church is to help us. Your Orthodox faith places great importance on the Church as the Body of Christ and the sacramental life. You can organize your life so that you are actively participating in the sacraments, such as Holy Communion and Confession. Regular Church attendance with participation will strengthen your relationship through the Eucharist and the healing nature of Confession.. The sacraments are given to us through the work of the Hoy Spirit for the sole purpose to nourish your soul and facilitate your spiritual growth.

3. Acknowledge sin as the cause of your separation from God. 

Understanding your sinful nature is probably the most important thing to focus on to strengthen your relationship with God. Reflect on the story of Adam and Eve and how their disobedience separated them from God. Your sinfulness is what separates you from God. Recognizing the dire consequences of your way of life helps cultivate a repentant heart to reconcile with God. Since God is mercy and has unbounded love, He will forgive you and help you grow closer to Him. This is what He desires for everyone. Think of sin as missing the mark, which is the meaning of the Greek word translated as sin. When you are unable to live by the ideals exemplified in Jesus, you are involved in sin, missing the mark, not living up to what He expects of you.

4. Cultivate a spirit of repentance. 

We all miss the mark and the way to overcome each transgression in repentance. Repentance is the act of turning away from sinful behaviors and attitudes, and turning towards God with a contrite heart. By knowing that your sinful nature is what separates you from God, you will become motivated to repent. Repentance means changing your way of thinking to overcome your sinful tendencies and bad habits. Again this idea of change of mind is the meaning of the greek word translated as repentance. You first must acknowledge your shortcomings, then seeking God’s forgiveness and making a commitment to change, you will find that you grow closer to God. Everyday review your actions and seek repentance, ways to change how you think and act. Periodically participate in the Sacrament of Holy Confession, which cleans the slate with God, like in baptism, and you receive spiritual guidance from your spiritual father guided by the Holy Spirit. Also, as mentioned earlier, participate regularly in Holy Communion. In your daily prayers, another important Orthodox discipline, in addition to giving thanks and glorifying God, ask for the help of the Holly Spirit. Doing this you will open yourself gradually to the transformative work of God's grace, allowing Him in cooperation with your efforts, purify and renew your heart and give you needed strength to resist sinful tendencies. Jesus says that to see God requires a pure heart. This comes with a recognition of your sinfulness and repentance, a change of mind and action.

5. Strive to overcome your passions and bad habits. 

As you are awakened to you weaknesses, you begin to understand the nature of your sinfulness. The Church Fathers call these passions. Without your effort to seek them these will remain hidden from you, buried in an insensitive conscience. You will discover that there are many things in your daily life you thought were normal are actually incongruent with a life in Christ. View these discoveries as positive, leading you closer to God. We are all sinners, but only a few of us make the effort to come closer to God. Your efforts must involve more than your self effort. You need a cooperative effort with the Holy Spirit, calling for divine help in uncovering and combating your undesirable habits. Gradually you will be freeing yourself from them. Every time you step into the Nave of the Church you are entering a sacred space filled with the direct presence of the Holy Spirit. Call on it for help. The Church is where we worship God and receive the mysteries, the purifying gifts of His Body and Blood through Holy Communion. Participate! Also, through the other spiritual disciplines taught by the Church: daily prayer, fasting and the cultivation of virtues.  In this way you will become an active participant in your spiritual growth improving your relationship with God.

6. Improve your Personal discipline.

God will not work alone, but He works with you. He may awaken you to your need to act, but waits for you to respond. This means you must become intentional in all your choices, keeping God in mind, aligning your will with His principles and teachings, even when faced with challenges or temptations faced in daily life. This self-effort extends to various aspects of life, such as making time for pryer and worship, guarding your thoughts, and exercising self-control over all your actions. You make life intentional. The ascetic practices of fasting and daily prayer and regular worship help. By cultivating personal discipline, we enable ourselves to act in cooperation with God through the work of the Holy Spirit.

7. Tame your mind by practicing watchfulness. 

Watchfulness involves being vigilant and mindful of your thoughts, desires, and actions. This involves recognizing before you act the subtle temptations that can lead you astray. This is work that takes place in your mind. It is also called guarding your heart, protecting it from distractions and worldly temptations that may lead you to act by your sinful tendencies. As you become more watchful you will develop a deeper sensitivity to the way excel forces work on you and how God can help. When you gain this ability you will avoid most temptations, allowing you to respond with obedience to God and align your will with His. 

8. Learn the practice of Love

One of our modern day saints, Saint Porphyrios, taught that love is the means through which you unite with God and experience His presence in your life. He stressed that true love is expressed in humility, allowing you to genuinely care for others without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. By humbling yourself and placing the needs of others above our own, you emulate the selfless love of Christ and deepen your relationship with God. He taught that through acts of love and compassion, you not only benefit others, but you will also experience spiritual healing and transformation. Love has the power to mend broken relationships, reconcile hearts, and restore harmony in your life. He emphasized the importance of cultivating unconditional love towards all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. He taught that love should be your default response, as it reflects the love of God Himself. By embracing this radical love, you will grow closer to God and experience His transformative grace.

Strengthening your relationship with God involves a lifelong journey requiring commitment and perseverance. 

With faith in God, the life of Christ, His loving nature and His desire for us to become like him, you begin this journey. Awakening to how you frequently miss the mark in your daily life, and that these little sinful acts are what separates you from God, you can begin a new life of repentance. Consistently participating in the sacramental life of the Church, developing better personal discipline and watchfulness, and doing better at loving others, in cooperation with the work of the Holy Spirit you can progress, step-by-step, day-by-day. The Church is the body of Christ established to nurture along this path to becoming like Christ, a union with Him, Theosis.

Also, be sure to seek and follow the advice of a spiritual father. He will guide you in implementing these practices into your daily life.

How to Be a Good Christian

 

Being a good Christian involves living with purpose. It is more than merely adhering to a set of religious beliefs or set of values. It requires a love of God and making your life’s purpose to serve Him. When you do this you will love others also. A good Christian life involves an active and transformative journey of faith lived in the Church Christ established for our healing, This involves nurturing our faith, taming our passions, developing virtues, and seeking repentance. These are all key elements for living a good Christian life.

Faith: To be a good Christian we must have relationship with God based on love. The foundation of this relationship is faith. As Orthodox Christians, we are encouraged to approach our faith with reverence, recognizing the mystical reality of the universe and God’s presence in all things. We see Scripture as a sacred account, a story told by eyewitnesses who encountered God's divine revelation. We should read it as a story and not as a philosophical or historical work. The Gospel story revels great mysteries about God and how with His love for humankind, He set about to prepare all of us for eternal life in His kingdom. By immersing ourselves in the Gospel story, we gain a deeper understanding of God's love and realize our purpose.

Nurturing Faith: Our faith needs to be nurtured. This involves regular participation in the life of the Church; attending services and actively engaging in the sacraments, especially Holy Communion. This allows us to receive God's grace needed for spiritual growth. We must also establish a daily routine of reading Scripture and praying for His help. By dedicating time to these practices, we open ourselves to a deeper communion with God. Bt surrounding ourselves with friends who share our faith provides encouragement and support for a good Christian life.

Taming Passions: Orthodox Christianity recognizes that we are engaged in a struggle against our passions, those desires that lead us away from God. These stem from our fallen condition and are amplified due to the evil forces in this world. Fasting is an important discipline prescribed by the Church to helps us gain mastery over these passions. By following fasting guidelines offered by the Church, we learn to control our physical appetites and redirect our focus towards God. This gives us the discipline needed to control all the other passions. To become a good Christian we need to understand all our weaknesses and acknowledge our bad habits. By recognizing our vulnerabilities, we can actively combat and overcome them with God's help.

Developing Virtues: Being a good Orthodox Christian also requires the cultivation of virtues. These are the qualities that reflect God's character. These are found in the commandments given to us by Jesus and the way he lived. The most important one is love. Loving God with our whole heart and loving others, even our enemies.  Knowing our weaknesses leads to knowing the virtues we most need to intentionally practice. For example, if we struggle with anger, we can actively pursue the development of patience. Through intentional and consistent practice, the essential virtues become part of our character, guiding our actions and interactions with others. In this way we align ourselves more closely with the example of Christ. Becoming like Him is the nature of a good Christian.

Repentance: God is forgiving and wants to help us. Recognizing our mistakes and seeking forgiveness and committing to changing our way of thinking and acting, is an essential aspect of the Christian life. None of us are perfect. We should each day undertake a self-reflection to evaluate our thoughts, words, and deeds in the light of God's commandments. Then to help us change in  line with God’s teachings, regularly attending the sacrament of confession provides a divine cleansing of all our sins, like baptism.  We will also receive spiritual guidance from a trusted spiritual father enlightened by the Holy Spirit. By humbly listening to our spiritual father's counsel, we gain valuable insights about the changes we need to make and suggestions how to implement them.

Conclusion: Being a good Christian requires a life of repentance. We must nurture our faith, tame our passions, uncover our weaknesses and develop the opposing virtues. Reading the Gospel daily as a sacred story will help us deepen our faith. A daily routine of prayer seeking God’s help will bring His grace. By fasting we will develop the needed discipline to overcome our passions. By associating with fellow believers we will be encouraged to live a life consistent with God’s commandments. All this together provides a solid foundation for living a good Christian life and fulfilling our purpose to become like Christ. This process we call Theosis.

How Does an Orthodox Teenager Handle Having Non-Orthodox Friends.

Navigating friendships with individuals who may hold different beliefs or practices can be challenging for a teenager committed to their Orthodox faith. Here are some pieces of advice to help you handle these relationships with wisdom and grace:

We must remember that we are called—commanded by Christ, in fact!—to proclaim the Good News of Salvation to everyone—especially to those who have never heard it. If Christ had only hung around with religious people, the sinful woman would have never repented, the blind would have never been healed, the hopeless would have never been given hope, Zacchaeus would have never changed his life, etc. As Christ says, “I come not to save the righteous, but the sinner.” On the day of Pentecost, the apostles would have never proclaimed the Gospel to the multitudes if they had agreed to avoid everyone who did not hold the same religious beliefs. They would have stayed in the upper room, and the resurrection of Christ would have remained their private little secret. It is a grave sin not to share your faith, and explain the importance of the Gospel story and explain why you believe in The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To hide your faith because you may be ridiculed isa denial of the Truth of your faith. An Orthodox Christian cannot believe and then shy away from others who have a different faith.

Stay grounded in your Orthodox faith maintaining a strong foundation in your own beliefs and practices. Regularly participate in church services, engage in personal prayer, and study the teachings of the Church, read the Gos[els regularly. This will help you deepen your understanding and strengthen your commitment to Orthodoxy.

Approach conversations with your non-Orthodox friends with love, respect, openness, and a willingness to listen. Seek to understand their perspectives and beliefs without fearing you will compromise your own convictions. Respectful dialogue can foster mutual understanding and friendship while allowing you to stay true to your Orthodox values.

Live out your Orthodox faith in a way that inspires others. Let your actions and behavior reflect the values you hold dear. Through your kindness, humility, and love, you can demonstrate the beauty of Orthodoxy to your friends, encouraging them to respect and appreciate your beliefs.

It's important to have healthy boundaries that align with Orthodox values. Communicate your boundaries respectfully and assertively, ensuring that your friends understand your limitations regarding activities or discussions that conflict with your faith. This will help maintain your integrity, while preserving the friendship.

Reach out to your Orthodox priest, youth group leader, or spiritual mentor for guidance and support. They can provide you with valuable advice, prayers, and encouragement as you navigate these friendships. Engaging with other Orthodox teenagers who face similar challenges can also be helpful and reassuring.

Offer prayers for your non-Orthodox friends, asking God to bless and guide them. Pray for their understanding, spiritual growth, and for opportunities to share your faith with them when appropriate. Trust in the transformative power of prayer.

Remember, the goal is not to isolate yourself from those who differ in their beliefs, but to maintain your Orthodox identity while being a positive influence in their lives. By staying true to your faith, fostering respectful dialogue, and setting healthy boundaries, you can navigate these relationships in a manner that honors both your Orthodox values and your friendships.

Don’t be preachy, at least with your words. Let your actions be an example of what an Orthodox Christian—and all mankind, for that matter—is called to be, and do, and live, and experience, and hope.

In conclusion, as an Orthodox teenager navigating friendships with non-Orthodox individuals, it is crucial to embrace the call to share the Good News of Salvation with everyone. Following the examples of Christ and the apostles, we must not shy away from engaging with those who hold different beliefs. Maintain a strong foundation in your Orthodox faith through prayer, church participation, and studying the teachings of the Church. Approach conversations with love, respect, and openness, seeking to understand others' perspectives while staying true to your convictions. Live out your faith through kind and loving actions, inspiring others to appreciate Orthodoxy. Set healthy boundaries aligned with your values, seek guidance from spiritual mentors, and offer prayers for your friends. Remember, your goal is to maintain your Orthodox identity while positively influencing their lives. 

Let your actions speak louder than words, exemplifying the calling of an Orthodox Christian and reflecting the hope and truth of your faith.

Beyond Faith Alone - Orthodox Vs. Protestant Views on Salvation

Orthodox and Protestant believers differ on salvation. Protestants emphasize the concept of justification by faith alone, while Orthodox have a view that includes a lifelong effort in cooperation with grace.

Orthodox View: In Orthodox theology, justification (δικαίωσις) is a lifelong journey based on faith and love, becoming more like Christ, acting with free will in cooperation with grace. Orthodox Christians do not approach justification or salvation in a legalistic manner. It requires more than faith.

Protestant View: Influenced by Martin Luther during the Protestant Reformation, Protestants adhere to justification by faith alone. Faith in God declares a person righteous and deserving of eternal salvation through God's grace alone. It involves personal trust in Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, not just intellectual belief. They reference Ephesians 2:8-9 to support their belief. Protestants also value good works and obedience to God's commandments as the natural expressions of faith.

Oversimplification? Orthodox perceive the Protestant view as oversimplified, viewing eternal life with Christ the result of faith plus a lifelong effort overcoming tendencies for sin through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (grace). The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sinful tendencies and act according to  God's will, producing good works (Ephesians 2:10). Orthodox Christians understand that good works needed for salvation are the fruits of faith and their effort in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, not accomplished solely through personal efforts or faith alone. 

View of Original Sin makes a difference: Orthodox recognize that the Fall of Adam and Eve introduced a tendency to sin known as Ancestral sin, rejecting personal guilt for their disobedience. This tendency we inherit with our mortality. Christ’s life and voluntary death on the Cross was not simply a payment for Adam’s sin, but showed us a path to perfection in His image through His Resurrection and Ascension. 

There is a lifelong struggle: Because of Ancestral sin, Orthodox believers, like Paul, acknowledge the unavoidable ongoing struggle against sin. Paul tells us to work out our salvation with “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12-13) Christ has sent the Holy Spirit to equip believers with what is needed for this ongoing effort. Faith and works are inseparable as stated in James 2:17. One must humbly live out their faith rooted in love, compassion, and obedience to God's commandments in cooperation with grace, as a means of participating in the divine life (Theosis).

Active life in Church necessary: Orthodox Christians recognize that salvation is not merely an individual pursuit, but a loving relationship with God experienced within the Church. They participate in liturgical acts invoking the Holy Spirit for purification and sanctification. They pursue a Christlike life through participation in sacraments, daily prayer, fasting, and repentance.

Not based on human effort alone: Both Orthodox and Protestant traditions agree salvation cannot be earned through human efforts alone. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes Synergia, the necessity of ongoing efforts in cooperation with grace. As believers eliminate their passions that cause sin and draw closer to Christ becoming more like Him, they receive an increased measure of grace, empowering them to overcome their sinful tendencies to become ever more able to engage in the work of God.

Cooperation with the Holy Spirit: Orthodox Christians work to discover their weaknesses and develop an increasing presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives through the Church. They engage in sacraments, prayer, fasting and repentance to align their will with God’s, all initiated by Christ and His Apostles. They never assume they are saved because Final judgment rests with God at His Second Coming, where He will examine their love for Him,  purity from sinful tendencies, and their efforts to carryout His divine plan.

Summary: While Protestants emphasize faith alone, Orthodox Christianity embraces a comprehensive understanding that involves an evolving loving relationship with God through ongoing personal effort in cooperation with grace. Faith and grace is essential in both traditions, recognizing that personal effort separated from grace cannot earn salvation. Orthodox Christianity emphasizes synergia, the cooperating with God's grace to become purified of all sinful tendencies, enabling believers to participate in fulfilling God's will instead of their own will. This process is lifelong, nurtured by the Holy Spirit gained through the sacraments, prayer, fasting, repentance, and a Christlike life.

Guarding the Heart - Watchfulness

To live a God seeking life in this world filled with distractions and temptations we must learn to be watchful always, guarding our heart from all evil thoughts. We are constantly being bombarded by thoughts triggered by our senses. These can tempt us into sinful acts. Our spiritual challenge is to engage in a struggle to eradicate all negative thoughts. We can learn to discipline our mind to become quiet enough so we can reject them when they occur. Jesus tells us to watch and pray (Mat 26:41). Both are essential. We must have a desire to live a Christ like life based on a loving faith so we are motivated to pay attention to our thoughts, desiring to reject those that can lead to sinful action. 

The Jesus prayer is an important discipline than can help us. This is a short prayer that seeks God’s mercy and forgiveness as well as bringing a quietness to the mind. Like any physical exercise program, it is practiced with repetition for periods of time each day until it becomes a prayer that is constantly being repeated in our mind. If we take no remedial action the brain will continue to trigger unending thoughts in response to inputs from our senses. We can easily become like a car without a steering wheel and brakes headed down a winding road at seventy miles an hour.

In addition to an inner effort to control our thoughts though attention and prayer we can become more critical about which life experiences we choose to participate in. This approach controls the kind and amount of stimulation we encounter. This includes entertainment of all forms, friends we associate with, social media we use, and other activities. A quiet spiritual life leads to a quieter mind focused on what God wills for us. Our current world is saturated with pleasure seeking activities. We are also constantly bombarded by advertising all cleverly crafted to stimulate our passions and lead us to engage in more and more of these activities. We should also be careful about idle time and daydreaming.

This spiritual task is to become more aware of our internal state and change our main focus on external events we call our daily life, to what is happening within our soul. In this way we can begin to control our thoughts and make room for an ongoing dialog with God. This will reduce the busyness and stress experienced in daily living.

We must take charge and not let our senses control our activities. We can’t be passive and let all the stimulation of worldly life fill our mind with temptations. We must learn to carryout our responsibilities without the normal bustle and fretfulness. We must become mindful, watchful. For example, we cannot allow any thoughts enter that lead us to anger and resentment. We must develop an internal attentiveness with spiritual vigilance and mindfulness. All this requires a serious effort to guard what impacts the heart of our soul.

The Orthodox way of life involving prayer, fasting, worship and participation in the sacraments will help you. Consult your spiritual father for specific suggestions related to your spiritual condition.

Reference: The Struggle for Virtue, chapter 7, Archbishop Averky

Ten Points for an Orthodox Life

Orthodox Prayer - the Jesus Prayer

Gospel Love

The foundation of a Christian life is Love. This is a deep non-emotional love based on the love Jesus Christ has for us. Our aim is to become like Him, fulfilling the nature of our creation, made in God’s image and likeness. This is a life seeking unity with His Grace, the Holy Spirit, God Himself. This kind of love Archbishop Averky calls Gospel love. 

Gospel love is based on what is revealed to us in Scripture, a love based on sacrifice for others. Scripture says, 

“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in Him.”  (1 John 4:16).

We develop this kind of love observing how God showed His love for us. When the time was right God chose to bring forth His Only Begotten Son,  giving Him flesh to bring a new commandment based on love. He told His Apostles: 

“A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, as I have loved you. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13: 34-25).

Love is the essential message of the Gospels. It is why God created the world. It is the creative force in all life, the underlying principle of all God created. It is this same love He desires for us, to be perfected in Love united with Him.

Think about the love demonstrated when Jesus was obedient to death, voluntarily giving up His life on the Cross. This He did for us, to free us from our sinful fallen nature. It was this sacrificial love that inspired the Apostles and early Christian’s to endure persecution, torture and even death. Their Love of Him brought thousands to believe in Him. It is this Love that enables all that is beautiful, a loving family life. All this comes from, God’s love.

We received a clear commandment from Christ about love. When a lawyer of the Old Testament approached Him asking, “What is the greatest commandment of the Law,” He answered, 

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it:“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets (Matt 22:37–40).

This is frequently referred to as the “Short Gospel.” He then let them know He was God. It is only with faith in the Gospel, in Jesus as the Son of God, that we can have true Christian, selfless, unconditional love. Ours is a faith based on Love.

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment (1 John 3:23). 

This faith cannot be a passive or an intellectual one. It must be a loving living faith. One based on loving action. Saint James tells us, 

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (Jas 1:26–27). 

And this commandment have we from Him: That he who loves God must love his brother also (1 John 4:21).

To gain this love in our life we must believe in His Incarnation as the Son of God, fully human and divine. We must further understand the love demonstrated in the sacrifice He made when His gave up His life on the Cross.

Understanding this Love we will be able to commit ourselves to the effort required to be worthy of His grace. It is only through His grace working in our heart, our conscience, that we will gain the same selfless love of Him and others.

The Evangelist John tells us, 

We perceive the love of God “because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). 

When we have this understanding then we will be able to act like Him. “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Developing Gospel love begins with faith through which we gain God’s grace, enabling us to act with the same love He had for us. But, this is not the easy path. It is a narrow one that involves struggle. The easy path, following our own pleasure seeking desires, leads to eternal grief and torment, while the narrow path, making sacrifices to benefit others, leads us to a union with Him in Paradise. The main motive we should have in all our actions is this love. We are to seek no benefit, no recognition. The only motive for true Christian morality is selfless love. It is as Saint John tells us, 

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19). And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:2). 

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:10–11). 

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20)?

To become like Him we need to learn His commandments. We must study the Gospel. We must develop the necessary discipline and struggle to live as He taught. Above all we need to seek the Holy Spirit. It is only with God’s help that we will be able to do this. 

This requires a life of prayer and fasting, worship and participation in the Holy Sacraments. He gave us everything we need in His Church. This is what we call the Orthodox way of life.

Reference: The Struggle For Virtue, Archbishop Averky, Chapter 7

Ten Points For Living an Orthodox Life