Bringing Happiness to Others
Being happy ourselves we are more likely to bring about happiness in others
By Abbot Tryphon, December 11, 2019
Gratitude is an affirmation of goodness, for in our being grateful we affirm that there are good things in the world, and good people that are part of our lives. Our being grateful does not mean that everything in life is perfect, but it does mean that we look at life as a whole, and receive with gratitude all the goodness that is in our life. In turn, our gratitude becomes the foundation for building up those around us, for in being happy ourselves, we are more likely to bring about happiness in others. The Elder Gabriel, a disciple of Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, even tells us that a smile offered to someone who is upset sends their anger to heaven, and that a man who smiles against hardships can even feed a lion.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
~Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/12/bringing-happiness-to-others/.
True Love
The willingness to suffer with the other person
By Abbot Tryphon, December 14, 2019
What does it mean to truly love another person? It means we carry the other person in our heart. If we do not bring the other person into our hearts, we do not really love them. If we are unwilling to help another person when they are in need of our care, we do not really love them.
If we really love the other person we will embrace them, and even carry them in our dreams. If they are suffering, we will give them comfort. If they are lonely, we will bring them close to us. If they are sick, we will become an angel of mercy for them. If we truly love them, we will hold them up before the Lord, in our prayers.
We must also remember that love brings pain when we cannot do anything for the person we love, and we must, out of that love, be willing to suffer that pain.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Abbot Tryphon, The Morning Offering, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/morningoffering/2019/12/true-love-2/.
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