Truth in Love

Speaking the truth can sometimes be awkward or even dangerous. Saints were martyred because they spoke truth. Holy men and women lost their fortunes because they lived the truth. Even we are forced to discern, daily, whether it would be good to speak the truth or not. In today’s reading from Saint Paul’s First Letter…

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Faithful or Zealous?

Silhouette with "FAITH" at sunrise background.

The modern Orthodox experience in America is complex with both longstanding members born into the Church coexisting with pious converts who have chosen Orthodoxy as their religion. Neither is more important than the other since both are members of the Body of Christ. Yet there appears to be a battle for the ‘soul’ of the…

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Christian Generosity

Hands exchanging a gift box with ribbon.

We live in a society that rewards generosity. Donors receive marble plaques, street names, and publicity. Even buildings are named for donors, often as incentive for wealthy people to give. As Christians our generosity is something different. Christian generosity expects nothing in return. When was the last time you gave anything without getting anything in…

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Loyalty and Betrayal

Loyalty written on a black chalkboard.

We all have that one person that we would go to the end of the earth for, until they betray us. Every relationship hangs on the verge of loyalty and betrayal, and the smallest issue can tilt the balance out of our favor. Today’s loyal companion is tomorrow’s enemy. I say this today not in…

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How Much Love?

Different people making a heart figure

Nobody likes to think they are cold without love for others. Everyone likes to think their love is exemplary. Others should take notes of the way they love. If you don’t think so, you are the problem. You are just jealous because they don’t love you. Sound familiar? At that time, one of the Pharisees…

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Counterculture of Love

Office confrontation with boxing gloves.

You hear it all the time. We’re supposed to be counterculture as Christians. We’re not supposed to be like the world. Yet, we spend most of our time being ‘just like’ the world when it comes to our personal relationships. Brethren, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we…

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Episode 461 – Become Children of God

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

It is only natural that we become our parents. When God calls us to become children of God, it isn’t so natural. In the Gospel of Luke we hear, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.” The human way is to love those who love us back. To become children…

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The Face of Opposition

Imagine walking into work every morning and being face-to-face with your opponent, someone who was just waiting for the chance to betray you. He plans this in secret, all the while smiling and telling you how great you are. What would you do if you already knew who it was? Most of us would plan…

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Many Chances to Repent

The sense of guilt can be a strong and even crippling emotion. When we sin once or twice, it is easy to return to God. But when we sin multiple times, guilt can get the best of us and we often choose to stay away from God. Thankfully, God gives us as many chances as…

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