This idea seems self-evident, but it is something we need to remind ourselves often, "for the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works" (Matthew 16:27).
One point worth considering is that we are only responsible for our own actions and must not concern ourselves with the sins of another, unless we are required to by our relation to them (a parent, or someone whose job it is to give guidance in a particular situation). Even if we are unable to solve some problem, it is important that we take action to try and improve the situation, because "God, who sees in secret, shall reward us openly" (Matthew 6).
This reward, as far as I understand, is not really a "prize" or "payment", but rather the fruit that we bear. Sin leads to death; not as punishment, but as a natural consequence. In the same way, virtue naturally leads to life (Romans 6:21-23). Even before the Second Coming we will experience the fruit of our actions, either "fruit for death" or "fruit for God" (Romans 7:4-5).
Romans 6:21-23: What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:4-5: So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.
4,5 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Сообщение отредактировал sophianesterenok - Понедельник, 29.12.2025, 19:46
I fully agree that our actions inevitably shape our lives. For instance, kindness often returns to us, while harsh words create conflict. This principle aligns with the biblical idea of "reaping what you sow." It emphasizes personal responsibility in spiritual growth. While God forgives sins, He doesn't remove the natural consequences of our choices. This isn't a harsh judgment but a spiritual law of cause and effect. In my experience, kindness towards people has always come back to me. For example, I could give my jacket to someone who was cold, order treats for someone who was sick, come over if someone was feeling bad, or give money if someone was short. In return, I receive deep respect, and life gives me gifts when I least expect them.
I agree with this quote and I can interpret it in two ways. When we talk about the consequences of a person's actions, we usually mean something negative. The evil we do is harmful, to ourselves, but it's even worse when it harms others. It's painful to see people suffer because of our bad actions, but this pain leads to remorse and redemption. But good deeds also have good consequences, which means that if a person tries to be kind, their life will be bright. In addition, we will face the consequences of our actions at the Last Judgment, when the fate of our souls will be decided. At this moment а person will regret all their unrepented sins, uncorrected mistakes, and the fact that they did not apologize in time. Perhaps, only at this moment a person fully realizes their sinfulness. Good deeds will lead us to Paradise, while evil deeds will keep us away from it.
4,5 Баушова М.
Сообщение отредактировал mariablansh - Понедельник, 22.12.2025, 17:54
This quote reminds me of the one from the New Testament: "Ye shall know them by their fruits", -- from the sermon of Jesus (Matthew 7:15-20), when He was speaking about the righteous. To my mind, we are already going through the consequences of our actions, we already have the fruits of our decisions and deeds that structure our life in all possible ways. To me, this isn't a prophecy about some future life or the afterlife, it's a law that is shaping the actual moment we're experiencing.
I understand the point of this quote in the following way: we should not live without any thought for the future or for the eternal consequences of our actions. It is easy to forget that we must be prepared for death, and we must remember that our earthly life can affect our life after death.
A similar idea can be found in 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." It is also echoed in Galatians 6:7-8: "A man reaps what he sows."
However, I believe this is not primarily about fearing punishment, but about understanding that we are active participants in our own salvation. Furthermore, I think that peace and joy are also the natural consequences of a life filled with God, faith, love. To sum up, the main idea is that taking responsibility transforms us from passive subjects into active creators of our lives.
Yeah, I agree with the quote. The point is pretty uncomplicated, we can't avoid the consequences of our own behavior. It lines up with the Christian idea that life isn't just random, it's a kind of moral journey where our choices actually matter.The principle is clear enough, but I don't see it as just a cold rule of justice. I see it through the lens of grace.Yes, selfishness often leads to isolation, and patience builds stronger relationships. But Christianity teaches that the ultimate consequence of sin is separation from God, a consequence Christ took upon Himself. So, for a believer, facing consequences becomes less about fearful payback and more about God's patient correction, calling us back to Him. In practice, this means two things for me. First, it encourages honesty: when I cause a problem, I shouldn't blame others or luck, but own my part in it. Second, it relieves anxiety about fairness; I can focus on doing what's right and trust that God is weaving even my mistakes into a larger story of redemption, as long as I turn to Him with a repentant heart. 5
Сообщение отредактировал davidkushakov - Понедельник, 22.12.2025, 23:58
I think that this quote is not only a reminder about our personal responsibility before God, that if we commit sins, if we do wrong things and don't repent - it will lead to the death of our soul. It's a reminder to always be vigilant, to live with Christ in mind. If we do good things - it will be remembered at The Last Judgement.
2 Мария П.
Сообщение отредактировал claudholloway - Вторник, 23.12.2025, 00:11
I think it’s true. As I see this point, it is not only about bad deeds but also about some good actions we do in our life.
The Gospel illustrates this meaning perfectly. In the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Christ talks about the Great Judgement: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left” (Matthew 25: 31-33). The sheep represent the righteous, and the goats represent the sinners. And the difference between them is that the former helped other people and the latter did not. The Lord says that service to neighbours is equal to service to God, for “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25: 40). So, those who did good actions are “blessed by my Father” and they will “take their inheritance, the kingdom prepared for them since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25: 34).
That’s why we should remember that not only the sins we commit will be taken into account, but also our good deeds we do in this life.
3
Сообщение отредактировал runovasveta2005 - Вторник, 23.12.2025, 18:40
St. John of Karpathos reminds us that each person will inevitably experience the consequences of his own actions. At first, this statement sounds frightening to me, because it immediately brings to mind my sins and awakens anxiety about judgment, punishment, and eternal suffering. Such fear is familiar to many believers, especially when conscience becomes active and memory recalls past mistakes. In this sense, the words of the saint confront a person with personal responsibility before God.
At the same time, I find this teaching deeply logical and even comforting. It affirms that human life is not ruled by blind fate, but by meaningful choices. We are responsible for our actions, thoughts, and intentions, and this responsibility gives life moral clarity. Consequences are not merely punishment, but also a form of spiritual education. When a person lives attentively, practices repentance, and strives to correct mistakes, fear gradually gives way to sobriety and trust in God’s justice and mercy. Conscious living makes spiritual life less chaotic and helps one walk the path of salvation with vigilance rather than despair.
St. John said a pretty common thing that might seem obvious, but it is a great reminder for us to pay attention to our actions. Doing bad things to people takes us further from God. It inevitably makes us rougher and spoils our souls. And also it makes harder to reunite with God because it requires repentance and a lot of effort. But the good thing is that when we pray, when we help others, when we do good deeds, by contrast, it makes us closer to God. I have noticed myself that when I do good things, I feel like God helps me and I find the strength to keep doing it. So at first this quote might sound scary, but it also contains some positive meaning.
Каледа В.Ф.
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Сообщение отредактировал graveqid - Понедельник, 22.12.2025, 12:05
We really do live with the results of what we do. If I'm kind or help someone, it usually comes back, if l'm impatient or sharp with people, it often just creates more tension around me. It's not really about punishment. It's more like a natural rule: our actions have effects. We can be forgiven for a mistake, but we still often have to deal with what that mistake set in motion. I've noticed it in small things. Lending a jacket, checking in on a friend who's down-these things don't go unnoticed, such actions build trust and respect quietly over time.
Сообщение отредактировал busiginaliza00 - Понедельник, 22.12.2025, 17:01
I agree with the point of view of St. John of Karpathos. It correlates very well with the idea that how you treat others will be treated the same way. It is very easy to trace this: some kind deeds do not remain without a trace - there is a high probability that they will help you or do something pleasant in return. Of course, you should not expect that you will necessarily do something in return. I would even say that in our world, more often than not, bad things are not ignored - they are more remembered, and the desire to do something bad in response can become very deeply rooted in a person's soul. In any case, the Lord himself becomes a witness to all our deeds.
Сообщение отредактировал boriskorsun3 - Понедельник, 22.12.2025, 19:40
I agree with this point clearly, strongly even. St. John of Karpathos saus that everyone will face the consequences of their own actions. It’s a simple idea, but deeply true: what we do matters, and sooner or later, it catches up with us. But this isn’t just about punishment. It’s about cause and effect in moral life, I think. If someone lies regularly, they may gain advantage, but over time, people will stop trusting them. If someone is kind and honest, they soon build real relationships and inner peace. There were times I avoided responsibility or made choices out of fear or laziness, and later I had to deal with the mess I’d created. The quote fits well with my understanding of Christianity, especially the idea that God respects our freedom. He doesn’t force us to be good, but He lets our choices shape who we become. It means we’re not trapped by past mistakes forever, but we also can’t pretend they don’t matter. It helps me when I’m tempted to cut corners, speak carelessly or avoid doing what’s right. And it’s not about fear, it’s about wanting to live in alignment with trust and love. And if I’ve already made a wrong turn, this teaching reminds me that it’s never too late to choose differently now, the next consequence is still mine to shape.
