Saint Theophan the Recluse: At every moment, expect some trial!

 

I advise you to apply the following rules:

At every moment expect some trial. And when it comes, receive it as a welcome guest!

When something happens contrary to your will, something that causes you bitterness and turmoil, quickly gather your attention in your heart and strive with all your strength, with force and with prayer, so that no unpleasant and passionate feeling may be born within you. If you do not permit the birth of such a feeling, then all ends well! For every evil reaction or action, in words or in deeds, is a consequence and a result of this feeling!

If, again, a weak passionate feeling is born in your heart, then at least resolve firmly neither to say nor to do anything until this feeling departs. If, finally, it is impossible not to speak or not to act in some way, then obey, not your feelings, but the Divine Law. Behave with meekness, calmness, and fear of God!

Do not expect and do not seek for the trials to cease. On the contrary, prepare yourself to bear them as death! Do not forget this! It is very important! If you do not place yourself in this way before the trials, patience will not be established in your heart!

Those who strike you, “avenge” them with your love and your forgiveness! With your words, with your behavior, even with your glance, show them that, despite all that they do to you, you continue to love them. And certainly, never remind them how much they wronged you!

 

Translated from the Greek edition.