Don’t Fight Evil

I just got back from our twice-a-year clergy retreats here in the Metropolis of Atlanta, and we had a special treat in a visit from a priest from Greece, Fr. Nektarios.

Father knew and learned from the newly revealed Saint Porphyrios. We heard some wonderful stories about the saint, most of which you can read about in the saint’s book “Wounded By LOVE.” By the way, I recommend this book to you highly for your Lenten reading discipline.

One comment Fr. Nektarios made was Don’t fight evil. Let it be. Know the Light, which is Christ, and “open the window.” It’s very similar to a saying of the saint: You don’t become holy by fighting evil. Let evil be. Look towards Christ and that will save you. What makes a person saintly is love. The whole idea here is to Be like Christ so much that darkness isn’t opposed as much as banished by the Light.

I’m genuinely intrigued and drawn to this mindset, especially in our day and age when being “opposed” to something seems to define everything about us. We are called to “resist.” We are told we have to protest. We are encouraged to “fight.” But I see little peace in any of this. What’s more, I see little of Christ in any of this. It seems these “protestors” are always angry; always disturbed; seeing “evil” everywhere. And, more importantly, I see so little joy in them. And very little “light.” More “heat” than “light.”

This is why I am convinced, especially as we approach Great Lent, we NEED DAILY nudges toward the Light! Maybe I should speak for myself. I NEED Daily nudges, daily encouragement, to BE light instead of merely the “heat” of opposition.

My motivation for the Daily Devotionals flows from this selfish need. It’s obvious that you have that need too because of how you’ve communicated your appreciation for this work. Thank you.

So, that’s why I really sense the need to expand this ministry so others who are tired of the constant bickering can have some Light in their lives. And that’s why I need your help. Part of the JOY of encouragement is the sharing of this joy. Will you help me expand our work together is being LIGHT so that darkness is banished?

Take a moment and become a Patron of Faith Encouraged Ministries by CLICKING THIS LINK. When you become a monthly Patron at $5, $10, $20, or more you will join your fellow Patrons in spreading an encouraging word in a world that is so very discouraged by all this “heat!”

Thanks!

P.S. NEW Daily Devotionals are coming Monday, Feb. 27th so we can go through Great Lent together.