33. Десница

We see that the right hand, or right hand, does not hold anything in itself, but what it receives, it gives back again. Christian! Man has nothing of his own except infirmities, sins, poverty and wretchedness, and with the receiving right hand he receives everything from his Creator: reason, health, strength, wealth, silver and gold, house, clothing, bread, food, drink, livestock and so on. And he must also be a giving right hand. Many are the receiving right hand, but not all are the giving right hand. Many receive, but not all give. Be, Christian, not only a receiving hand, but also a giving one. If you have received good from God, do not keep it for yourself, but give it to the glory of God and for the benefit of your neighbor. You have received reason from God - do not hide it, but give it to the unreasonable and senseless, and your talent will increase. You have received health and strength - do not hide them, but use them for blessed labors. If you have accepted wealth, do not hide it in the ground, in cages and chests, do not spend it on the whims and luxury of God’s goodness, but distribute it to the poor and wretched people - your brethren. If you accept bread, share your bread with those who want it. If you have garments, do not keep them in your cage, but dress your naked brethren with them. If you have cattle, let them serve not only you, but also other people. If you have a house, do not close it, but open it to those who come and wander, and so on. Here's your right hand, Christian! Be not only a receiving hand, but also a giving hand. If you accept all good from God, give it to the glory of the Giver of good and to the creation of the one who requires your good. Then you will be a faithful builder of God’s gifts. And what you receive from God, you turn back to God, that is, to the glory of God. And for this God will reward you, as a faithful builder, no longer with earthly, but with heavenly, not with temporary, but with eternal blessings. If you do not do this, then, as an evil and unfaithful slave, you will be punished by your Lord and hear: “Throw the worthless servant into outer darkness; There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). You might be interested in: