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Quote 318
St. John of Karpathos
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Quote 318 - Форум
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Quote 318
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| readeralexey | Дата: Воскресенье, 07.09.2025, 02:20 | Сообщение # 1 |
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| It is more serious to lose hope than to sin.
St. John of Karpathos
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| claudholloway | Дата: Понедельник, 08.09.2025, 22:12 | Сообщение # 2 |
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| I absolutely agree with this quote, because it shows the most important aspect of Christianity - God's infinite mercy. Our life is constant struggle, we are trying to avoid sinning, but inevitably fail, every day. Life is not possible without sinning, so we are just doing our best to be as close to God as we can. We only can be saved through synergism, and for God at least one little movement towards Him is enough. But we can't be saved if we lose hope in God, because in that case we are doing nothing to be saved, so we always should rely on God's mercy.
Мария П.
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| mariablansh | Дата: Понедельник, 08.09.2025, 22:47 | Сообщение # 3 |
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| This quote is fully true to me. I think, the point is we should repent of our sins, no matter how terrible they are. Besides, we shouldn't lose hope for mercy. One can realize that they has done something really awful and, instead of praying and trying to become a better person, firmly decide that he or she will never be forgiven by God. Obviously, after that this person will decide that there's no sense any longer to strive to the right way of life and will do bad deeds not because it's their temperament, but because of the desperation.
Even the apostle Peter renounced Christ, but after that he deeply repented. He became one of the apostles who were sent to teach their faith, preach and baptize people, so, as we see, God forgave him.
I have never thought about our faith at this angle before, but the quote is definitely very wise and it gives good space to think.
Баушова М.
Сообщение отредактировал mariablansh - Понедельник, 08.09.2025, 22:50 |
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| sophianesterenok | Дата: Вторник, 09.09.2025, 01:20 | Сообщение # 4 |
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| I completely agree with this quote.
Sin is more serious than death, and all other suffering, as it draws us away from God. However, in Christ we have redemption and forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7). The only “unforgivable sin” is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29), and the Spirit gives us hope for our salvation (Romans 15:13, Galatians 5:5). Despair, or hopelessness, is blasphemous, because it portrays God as who He is not, as if His love and mercy had a limit. It is extremely serious: it prevents us from turning to God and repenting, while most other sins do not. This is spiritual death. Thankfully, it can still be reversed for those who put their hope in Christ again: “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine”(Psalm 33:18-19).
Сообщение отредактировал sophianesterenok - Вторник, 09.09.2025, 01:21 |
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| oksanaoni2159 | Дата: Вторник, 09.09.2025, 15:42 | Сообщение # 5 |
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| If there was a list of things to avoid at all costs in one believer's life, what would go on that list?
Surely, it should be something unambiguous, something biblical, something all the Holy Fathers would agree on.
Ten Commandments is a list itself. Or the two commandments Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets into. If it is worded differently, yet is still in possession of the Holy Tradition, we might get what St. John of Karpathos wrote, "It is more serious to lose hope than to sin."
The absolute worst thing that can creep into the life of any believer is desperation. For centuries Christians all over the world have sustained persecutions, have been falsely accused, have suffered injustices, and have gone through trying times. Yet, what Christianity offers at its core is that in the end, when the Lord's day comes, all wrongs will be made right, and the eternal reign of God will console all the weeping souls. As Christians, we very well know that with the Incarnation of Jesus came into action the greatest promise made to humanity by God. It is that of salvation, reconciliation, and bliss in the ever-shining light of God. Now, to ignore this hope is to ignore Christianity itself. To neglect hope in favor of desperation and depression is to denounce what our faith is built on.
The question of where hopelessness may lead is a philosophical one, appropriately discussed in the criminological or psychological works. One thing that can be said for certain is that walking on the path laid for us by Jesus and living life striving to be more Christ-like do not include even an ounce of hopelessness.
Our spiritual leaders teach that after sinning it is still possible to partake of the Communion after due procedures done to cleanse the spirit and to turn away from one's sins. The Church welcomes sinners and in the warm embrace of church life sinners turn into who God makes into saints. Therefore, desperation with it being a sin can still be trembled down and overcome by the grace of God.
There isn't a bad behavior in which we engage or a demon in hell that could prevent God's will and God's purpose on our lives from being done before our very eyes. That's why I'm not sure If Christians need the list of things to avoid at all. But if we were to put something at the top of it, the words of Saint John of Karpathos would fit it perfectly.
С уважением, Онищенко Ксения
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| boriskorsun3 | Дата: Пятница, 12.09.2025, 00:30 | Сообщение # 6 |
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| St. John of Karpathos’s assertion that "It is more serious to lose hope than to sin" is a profound statement on the nature of faith and the human condition. I wholeheartedly agree with its sentiment. While sin separates us from God, hope acts as the bridge back to His grace. Losing hope, therefore, severs that connection entirely, making reconciliation and redemption seem impossible. Sin, while grievous, can be repented, forgiven, and ultimately overcome through God's mercy and our own striving. Loss of hope, however, leaves no room for such redemption, as it presupposes the impossibility of God's forgiveness and love.
Imagine a prodigal son straying from his father's house. He squanders his inheritance, committing sins of excess and disobedience. However, even in his darkest hour, a flicker of hope remains – the belief that his father will welcome him back with open arms. This hope, fragile as it may be, allows him to return, to repent, and to experience the joy of reconciliation. Contrast this with a soul consumed by despair, convinced that their transgressions are unforgivable. This individual, trapped in the abyss of hopelessness, may not even seek repentance, believing it futile. Thus, the very possibility of salvation remains out of reach, a tragedy far greater than the initial sin.
This quotation resonates deeply with my understanding of Christianity, emphasizing the paramount importance of faith and hope. It reminds me that even in moments of profound weakness and sin, God’s love and mercy remain boundless. The parable of the lost sheep exemplifies this beautifully, with God tirelessly searching for the one lost sheep, rejoicing upon its return. This reinforces the message that no sin is too great to be forgiven, as long as hope endures.
In my own life, I've witnessed the destructive power of despair. Friends struggling with addiction, consumed by hopelessness, often refuse help, believing themselves beyond redemption. This quotation serves as a powerful reminder that hope must be nurtured, both in ourselves and in others. It calls us to be beacons of hope, reminding those lost in despair that God's love is infinite and that the path to redemption is always open, no matter the depth of their sins. The practical application is clear: to cultivate and cling to hope, even in the darkest of times, and to share that hope with those who have lost their way.
Добавлено (12.09.2025, 00:45)
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Saint Anthony the Great’s wisdom, that we should strive to avoid spiritual death even more diligently than physical death, resonates deeply within Christian teachings. His assertion that “there is no obstacle for a man who wants to be saved other than negligence and laziness of soul” highlights the importance of actively cultivating our spiritual lives. I fully agree with this perspective; while caring for our physical bodies is natural, nurturing our immortal souls is paramount.The world offers countless examples of individuals dedicating themselves to physical well-being through diet, exercise, and medical care. This instinct for self-preservation is commendable, but St. Anthony urges us to prioritize the health of our souls. Spiritual death, unlike physical death, signifies a separation from God, a state of sin and darkness that can persist even beyond our earthly lives. Just as we nourish our bodies with healthy food, we must nourish our souls through prayer, scripture, and acts of charity.
This concept aligns perfectly with my understanding of Christianity. Christ Himself emphasized the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), prioritizing spiritual growth above all else. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins further illustrates this point, where the foolish virgins, unprepared and negligent, are shut out from the wedding feast, symbolizing the Kingdom of Heaven.
Personally, I’ve experienced periods of spiritual dryness, where neglecting prayer and reflection led to a sense of emptiness and distance from God. This resonates with St. Anthony’s warning against spiritual laziness. His words serve as a potent reminder to actively engage in spiritual disciplines, to resist the temptation of complacency, and to cultivate a fervent desire for communion with God.
The practical application of St. Anthony’s wisdom lies in the daily commitment to nurturing our spiritual lives. This includes setting aside time for prayer and contemplation, engaging with scripture, receiving the sacraments, and striving to live a life of virtue. By actively cultivating our relationship with God, we resist spiritual stagnation and move towards salvation, overcoming the obstacles of negligence and laziness that threaten our souls.
Сообщение отредактировал boriskorsun3 - Пятница, 12.09.2025, 00:46 |
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| mariafokina99 | Дата: Понедельник, 15.09.2025, 18:36 | Сообщение # 7 |
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| I agree with this statement. The main idea is that we can overcome sin through faith and prayer to God. Faith is a path that will always include trials, but if we remember that God is alive and hears us, we can persevere. Sometimes when I struggle, I think of this quote: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7).
When I feel I am not ready to suffer, I also remember Job the Long-Suffering. He was a righteous man who did not commit any great sin, yet he was prepared to suffer as if he had. His strong faith in God's will helped him overcome the loss of his family and his illness. In the end, he was blessed with even more than he had before. This shows that our faith can ultimately give us more than our sins ever could.
Сообщение отредактировал mariafokina99 - Четверг, 18.09.2025, 21:23 |
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