Hearing/Listening
“The difference between obligation and obedience is more than mere semantics. An obligation is imposed on us, but obedience, as the Church uses and understands that term, is self-chosen…The Greek word for “obedience” is hypakoe. It comes from the root word akouo (“to hear”). The relationship between hearing and obedience is clear in the Scriptures: one obeys when one hears the word of God and does it.” (Dr. Eugenia Scarvelis Constantinou) “While knowing that the people you ar
Genuine
“ ‘For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt’ (Mark 9:49). Being seasoned with fire means being tested to see if one's faith and works are genuine.” (Orthodox Study Bible, Mark 9:49) “…Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” The question Paul poses in [2 Cor 13] verse 5 is an appropriate challenge for us as Christians. Just as Saint Paul urges the Corinthians to “examine yourselves as to whether
Confidence
“…the Lord will work with us, even in our shortcomings, even in our doubts, just as He worked with the Disciples. The Lord meets us where we are—in our various states of brokenness, and then works with us to raise us to states of spiritual confidence. This happens because of two things—His faithfulness to us and our trust in Him.” (Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis) “Begin your day by acknowledging your dependence upon God and your need for God. Purpose by grace that your first t
Greatness
"…Jesus re-defines what many people understand as “greatness” or, in modern-day terms, “success.” The measure of greatness, according to Him, is service; the extent to which one serves; gives of oneself." (Sr. Dr. Vassa Larin) “The measure of greatness is not position, power, or prestige. It is service…Our care for others is the measure of our greatness.” (Foundation Study Bible, Matthew 20:26-27, Life Application Study Bible, Luke 9:48) “The Bible teaches us that we were cre