О необходимости бороться с врагом нашего спасения

We must constantly pray to the Lord that we may rise above the machinations of demons, because demons not only oppress those who are in silence alone, but they strongly rebel against us even when we gather in the house of God, and instill the idea of shamelessly and carelessly looking others in the face, even drawing in our imagination the most unclean deed, in order to pour some mixture of thoughts into our minds, and in the same way prevent us from and until the Mysteries of Christ. However, he who is self-controlled by guarding his eyes and attentive mind, with the assistance of grace, prevails over them. With what vigilance should we guard our hearts and feelings? Our war is great, the one who is at war with us is very furious, but we must not give up the fight, but, on the contrary, we must not carry out the enemy’s suggestions in practice, even if he is torn with vexation. The Lord knows our oppressor, knows with what inflammatory means he acts on our hearts. However, the fighter’s job is to be careful and avoid the blow. And whoever is in alliance with passions, can he fight with them? – For where there is enmity, there is strife; and where there is abuse, there is heroism; and where there is feat, there are crowns. Therefore, if anyone wants to free himself from bitter slavery, then let him enter into battle with the enemy. You might be interested in: