Firm in Faith: Dealing with Temptation and Divergent Values in Relationships

When tempted by thoughts or friends who rationalize sinful actions with the prospect of later forgiveness, it is crucial to be vigilant and firm in faith, reflecting on the disobedience of Adam and Eve and the grave separation from God that ensues from knowingly contravening God’s commandments. Such actions elevate our will above God’s, essentially deifying our desires.

However, God’s infinite mercy always forgives sincerely repented sins. A healthy soul fortified by robust faith resists temptations and feels guilt and sorrow when faltering, motivating repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness through confession. Conversely, a weak soul, dulled by continual denial of God’s will, succumbs to sin and isolates itself from God, spiraling into a life dominated by passion-driven sins, oblivious to the ever-present God.

Facing temptation from a friend is challenging, necessitating a careful, loving, and clear expression of one’s values without inciting anger or appearing judgmental. Proposing alternative actions and maintaining respect and love for the friend, despite differing values, are pivotal. Engaging in a respectful dialogue about differing values, grounded in humility and mutual respect, fosters understanding and strengthens relationships, reflecting the teaching of Christ to love and respect one another.

Scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 10:13 remind us that God provides a way to overcome temptation, reinforcing our resolve to adhere to Christian teachings and values in the face of challenges and temptations. Balancing faithfulness to one’s beliefs with love and respect for others, especially those with differing values, exemplifies true Christian living.

Remember, firmness in faith, clarity and conciseness in expression, combined with a loving and respectful attitude, can convey our Orthodox values and beliefs effectively, fostering understanding and mutual respect among diverse individuals.

 Note: 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Avoiding Temptations - Saint Isaac the Syrian

Saint Isaac the Syrian advises beware of idleness:

Idleness allows us to fall into the hands of demons

Do not neglect spiritual disciplines. This overcomes idleness

Remember that God’s negative judgment comes because we allow evil forces to tempt us causing us to fail in our duty or incorrectly use our resources

Necessary disciplines

“Love your neighbor, don’t kill, don’t commit adultery, be kind, be content with what you have, be generous to others, don’t judge, weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.”

Remember the goal

The goal is to love our neighbor as Christ while we live in this world.

What is required:

Active pursuit of spiritual life, Repentance and Prayer

What is most important: 

Learning to love the unlovely, seeking opportunities to be generous, 

rejecting judgmental thoughts, practicing loving kindness and mercy even when you don’t feel like it.

Source: https://holynativity.blogspot.com/2013/06/closing-door-to-tormenting-demons.html

Temptations and Peace of Mind

We all long for peace of mind––a mind that is not continually tempted and one that does not feel bothered by many things.  Peace of mind is a grand thing to gain. But, how to gain it?  Here is advice from our Lord Jesus Christ

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matt 11:29).

Temptations play an important role in our spiritual development  They help us develop the strength to overcome them and grow spiritually affirming our faith.


Elder Macarius tells us that we cannot achieve peace of mind except by a battling with temptations. 


He says,

Our Lord too, fought, suffered, and sorrowed much before the time of His death on the cross.  He was reproached, vilified, humiliated, and tempted.  And He laboriously built up for us a picture of His own life on earth, which all of us must strive to follow...

When beset by temptations pray for courage and strength to remain firm.  remember: there is an eternity.

Reference: Russian Letters of Spiritual Direction, p 84 

How To Avoid Temptations

The only way to avoid temptations is to ... make a alliance with the devil!  Why are you smiling?  You don't like this solution?

Look, let me explain.
As long as someone is struggling, there will be temptations and difficulties.  And the more one tries to avoid temptation, the more contrary the devil becomes.  But through temptations – if we use them correctly – we are given the opportunity to make our life, which sometimes is anti-evangelica, "evangelical.

Elder Paisios of Mount Athos