THE 'PERFECT AS YOU ARE' HERESY

Would you tell the demoniacs whom Christ healed that they are 'perfect as they are'? Would you tell Mary Magdalene that the seven demons who fought her made her 'who she was'? Would you stop Christ from forgiving sinners because there is no need for them to be forgiven? If we are 'perfect as we are', then what need do we have of Christ? THIS is why the idea that we do not need to change, that we have to embrace ourselves just as we are and that sin is somehow part of our true selves - this is why this heresy is the door through which the collapse of our entire faith enters. If I am perfect as I am, then I don't need Christ for anything. Even more, this Christ Who tells me that I DO need to change becomes an antiquated and outdated 'invention', without Whom I can very well live my life.
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The video 'THE "PERFECT AS YOU ARE" HERESY' was recorded by Fr Seraphim (Aldea) at Mull Monastery (The Orthodox Monastery of All Celtic Saints), on the Isle of Mull.

[@mullmonastery]

To support our Monastery and the work we do: mullmonastery.com/donation/ For icons, prayer ropes and pilgrimages to the Scottish Isles: shop.mullmonastery.com Thank you for your support. You keep us alive and able to keep doing the work we do. May God bless you.

[@s.v.corycia5643]

Dear Father, blessings and my prayers to you all. I recently came across your teachings and they fill my heart, thank you.

[@sgmburke]

Donation processing is not working on iPad. It keeps giving me errors to prove I am not a robot, but the Box will not check. I tried several time.

[@pavlickrobert]

As a wise priest once told me: "Yes, God accepts you just as you are....but He loves you enough not to leave you in that condition. He wants you to strive for perfection.

[@onelove6576]

Please pray for my recovery from drugs and that all goes well. Dont usualy ask for prayer but its real important right now. Im pretty aloen as a christian. My best friend who is real bussy and liva fare away I can talk in the phone to sometimes. Got som conections in church but not so close yet. god bless you all and much love from Sweden 🇸🇪💟✝️💟

[@miyaiun4723]

Hi. You can do it, you are strong enough. Its one of the toughest battles out there but you surely can do it. God is with you always. Keep pushing each day. Wishing you the best put there. May you have a Great life ahead.

[@uuaae]

My brother in Christ, how are you faring today? I will pray for you. ❤

[@egservices-plumbingandheat5570]

So well explained. I have come back to the Orthodox Church after following this New Age path of love yourself... bla bla . Low of attraction and so forth. pure demonic. Thank you so much for making this issue so clear. God Bless You Brother,

[@TinaHyde]

Thanks be to God you came back! ☦️

[@ashtray0belief]

I was having this conversation the other day, about how toxic the concept of accepting one's self has become at this point. Even outside the context of Christianity, the simple notion of "I am who I am, and I won't change for anyone" is a breeding ground for disconnection between people. It is good to love yourself, but it is better to constantly strive to be a better person. In the context of our religion, our egos have been inflated to such a degree, that so many people that call themselves Christians only answer to themselves, and their own ego. I have been distancing myself from social media for years for this reason, it's just sad to see the decline of all morality, to love one's neighbour is barely even a concept people can even comprehend nowadays.

[@davidhensley76]

Many in my Protestant tradition say, "God loves you just as you are and too much to let you stay that way."

[@s.d.berquist6866]

To think of myself as always the worst of sinners, not to compare myself with others (thereby condemning others) and yet always remember that I am loved by God, who calls me to constant repentance and cleansing from sin is my daily struggle. That God does have mercy and forgive me is the greatest joy! It is like we walk on a tightrope between condemnation and forgiveness constantly. I have in the past embraced just this heresy that you are discussing today. Gratefully, God gradually and kindly has been correcting my thoughts. I could have been that person who wrote those words. I used to believe that. Forgive me, a sinner! Thank you for this teaching.

[@MyMustang1111]

This is what I needed to hear today. As I strive to have the right Phromena; I have to change so many bad habits that I have allowed myself to practice all these years. It's like stripping away the bark on my tree to get back to the bare essentials of living a Life of Truth in Jesus Christ.

[@meli2547]

May God Help you

[@psalmistinprogress9089]

Remember, Salvation is a process. You are Justified by your faith that Jesus shed His blood for your sin on the cross. You are being Sanctified here and now, to the degree that you cooperate with the Holy Spirit. You will be Glorified when we go home to be with the Lord. None of us ARE perfect, but all who have faith SHALL BE perfect.

[@b0eth1us]

This is fantastic Father Seraphim! This is a very popular way of thinking and needs to be stopped. Keep doing what you’re doing. For Christ and Kingdom ⚔️

[@annawray2220]

This teaching that Sin is to not accept you exactly as you are, especially in terms of sexuality is THE mainstream teaching in the Church Of England. I didn’t understand the gospel until I came to Orthodoxy, I’m now a Catechumen with Fr Raphael Armour in Cambridge, I’m so thankful.

[@nikola9348]

Precisely.

[@atomicsnowflake]

The RC church is going the same way. You end up worshipping yourself. I believe Christianity is really going in the wrong direction in this country. I pray the Orthodox Church remains steadfast ☦️🙏

[@Oilofmercy]

? I've never heard of this and I'm not orthodox no church I've been to accepts sin! Infact the church I. In now is so focused on becoming perfect it's become like a job. His burden is easy. It's all very sad

[@Nicole-kc1vx]

@@atomicsnowflake not all of the catholic church, it is the Catholic churches in Germany trying to go this direction and Rome is not agreeing with them. If they try to enforce more there will likely be a schism and they won't be recognised under the Catholic branch because they are not in communion with Rome.

[@atomicsnowflake]

@@Oilofmercy It depends on what you class as sin these days. Some things are no longer regarded as sinful. A church that keeps moving with the times is destined to become secular and accepting of sin. Times change, but the message of Christianity remains timeless and has no need of 'updates'. Look at what's happening to the Church of England if you want to see an example of a Church going down the wrong path. No wonder their numbers are plummeting.

[@danielgaley9676]

I had several medical issues last year. I am thankful for them. I finally realized that Orthodoxy is the true Church of Christ. Pray for my wife Cathy that she realizes it too! Thank you Father Seraphim. 20:38

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

Thank you Father. This is helpful. The closer I get to Christ the more I see my own sickness. The more I see Him the more I see my need for Him. I am very far from perfect. Bless שלום

[@Necroman98]

I failed a lot today. Imma be honest it would be very nice if I could just live my life without this terrible dichotomy. Sin is empty and the narrow path is hard, very hard. I fell to lust thrice again, broke fast a day early, prideful thoughts assail me, wrath gets me going and ultimately I fell again due to weakness. I understand my own desires to be false but it's hard man, my heart feels even harder, I ask for your prayer for me even though I am a wrech.

[@TinaHyde]

You’re here, watching this video and taking the message to heart, right? Like Fr. Seraphim mentioned in his previous video, it just might be impossible to stop sinning. But the important thing to remember when we keep sinning over and over is to run back to Christ and be grateful He gave us the gift of repentance. Commit to going to confession as soon as possible. And as I write this, I’m reminded that I - one of the most wretched sinners - need to do the very same thing, my friend. We fall, we get back up, we repent. We repeat this until our last breath. God-willing, the amount of time between falling and repenting gets shorter and shorter as we run this race towards Christ and salvation in Him. 🙏

[@cestmoi1796]

@Necroman98 👈dude might want to start w/ reconsidering that handle. sin is hardly 'empty' it's nothing if not..a large space..full of many distractions. truth is a narrow tunnel w/ room for only one set of eyes

[@katkat2340]

Pray for my truest conversion.

[@psalmistinprogress9089]

ALL who call on the name of the Lord WILL BE SAVED.

[@josephvanharen3518]

Thank you Father , I'm a Catholic , your talks and teaching help me very much , the help and guidance I need , May God bless you and your fellow monks .

[@ellen823ful]

Each day is a gift from God. All my blessings come from God. All my talents and abilities come from God. I’m am so blessed just to know this.

[@mement0_m0ri]

DO NOT LET YOUR SIN DEFINE YOU! DON'T CALL THAT GOD'S CREATION! Let these words ring in our ears forever! Let us never forget we were created to be like God. This is one of the most important messages you've ever given to us, Father. Thank you! Love and prayers. 🙏🏻❤

[@nickcef]

So well presented, Father. I often hear that rationalization of sin when I talk with people struggling with substance abuse and pornography. Oh, come on! It's only sex! Or it's only a weed, it's natural! God wants us to be happy and outgoing, living in our own contentment. But we all know deep down that these are the lies of the fallen one. We cannot and must not mold God and His values to fit our own lustful and greedy desires so that we all can feel "happy." To summarize what St Paul once said, repeated sin always leads to death.

[@dianecleary1054]

Hello try thinking about the people involved in pornography as your father your sister your brother . Imagine what they were like as happy children . Probably addiction pushed them into pornography and if people didn't watch their suffering the industry would end . Pray for them . Try to get help at addiction centres . I go to a psychiatric hospital that has services for alcoholics and drug addiction . I have bipolar . Seek help deal with it don't waste time . May angels guide you to the uncreated light .

[@Patrbrid1]

What a beautiful, compassionate response, dear Father! Prayers for you & the consecrated men & women of the Monastery on the islands of Mull & Iona🙏

[@BETH..._...]

Such an important reminder/ topic. The world has so many deceived. Thank you for speaking on this Father🙏🏼

[@TheHyphema]

I just started to read book of Saint Seraphim of Sarov. When I take break of reading and check KZbin, I found your channel 🙏🏻 I'm so thankful of your videos. Lots of prayers and love from Finland 🙏🏻❤️

[@duqueadriano0081]

Hello Fr. I am catholic but I love you with all my heart. I hope to find you in heaven.

[@didihrpro3499]

Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, a sinner!! 🙏🏼☦️🕊❤️

[@gimeoden8309]

While Reading the scriptures today, I was inspired to ask myself: Am I following Jesus or am I expecting Christ to back me up?

[@philosophicast2122]

I find orthodox artwork absolutely beautiful. The icons in the background are mesmerising and the message is ever important.

[@andreeainjapan]

I wanted to ask this before. Who are the three Saints in the beautiful Intercession of the Theotokos icon? I tried to find out myself, but I was not able to find the icon as such on Google Images.

[@marialisam.3654]

Devout practicing Roman Catholic here, and I love your teachings. Yes, God's unconditional love and forgiveness requires a counterpart from us: repenting for our sins and working on a daily basis to get closer and closer to who He created us to be. Thank you so much for this video! ❤🙏

[@fishhy9720]

People who want to change, who want to 'be' themselves, usually go to a psychologist. The first thing they're told is to accept themselves as they are.

[@positivevibeskx1102]

Many people must hear this video and make clear for themselves the question about human perfection. Thank you Father Serafim, your words explaining so good the misinterpretation of this topic.

[@sophiamac9100]

Exceptional video, Father Seraphim. Thank you! ❤️

[@mritchie85]

Thank you for sharing, prayers for peace for all at the Monastery and those watching who are troubled at heart, may they encounter the peace only Christ can bring I pray.

[@laureah21]

Its amazing to know He loves us so so deeply and meets us where we are in our sin and brokenness because sometimes we don’t know any better and then because He loves us so deeply He says to us “this is not for you” and He calls us higher to a better less broken place that takes some action on our part but so worth it . He is so kind and so good. Praise His Holy name

[@OKy909]

I think I needed this honestly, I have really hit rock-bottom in terms of perception of self many times in the past, it brings me back to my main feelings and problems and always after, it brings me closer to God, I am currently a protestant but Pray for me so I can learn more and more about Orthodxy, God bless

[@atomicsnowflake]

Try to find an Orthodox church and attend a liturgy. It's strange at first, but you soon get used to it and learn what is happening. It is a beautiful thing.

[@margareta7439]

Thank you Father! This is a very profound teaching! - repent - change - transform - with our centered will and the help of Christ we will be transformed in our thoughts, words and actions - this is what we are here for! Be blessed!

[@ffs6158]

I'm so glad you're back!

[@jennymaalouf9928]

Thank you for this important reminder.🙏

[@yshchrist3015]

*"48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."* 💖 *Gospel according to MATTHEW 5 KJV* 💖

[@ernestgrouns8710]

More world = More unhappiness. We have access to more information, philosophies, ideas, and ways of thinking and doing than at any time in human history. And yet we are crippled in a sea of anxiety, depression, fear, anger, hatred, confusion, and paranoia. We are overwhelmed, overstimulated, weighed down and so very exhausted. These are the fruits of the flesh, of the world. But thank our dear Lord in Heaven for sending his son, Jesus! Upon Him is our soft place to fall, the refreshing of our whole being in His Holy Spirit. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”… Thank you Father for your message today.

[@Xisk77]

I'm only just discovering religion. Even I can tell this is litteraly preaching pride. If you're perfect as you are then you tear out Any drive or energy to chase and transcend yourself. Its like shooting your soul in the knee caps. Once you qssume your own perfection your spiritual journey ends.

[@vince3292]

Thank you Father Seraphim so much for listening to your calling from the Holy Spirit and having the conviction to post your last 3 much needed Homilies for the world to hear. I pray our Heads of our Catholic Education Department and their principles of our Catholic Schools , especially our Catholic High Schools here in Western Australia see your last 3 Homilies and take Heed for their sake and most importantly for the sake of the children in their spiritual care, because they have all but rendered the devil and hell as Non Existent, a now mythical figure and place that are irrelevant to our Catholic School’s Curriculum in this secular day and age. Instead our children are encouraged and applauded to choose and embrace what ever acceptable worldly ideology / belief and path their young impressionable minds are tempting them to take. 🙏🙏🙏

[@catherinenjogu136]

My parish priest said that we are all called to be saints (holy). If not, we are stealing souls from the church. Thank you Abba Seraphim. I always look forward to your videos. 🙏

[@animula6908]

We should learn to love our enemies in spite of their flaws before we so willingly accept ourselves as we are. Funny how much less people love to focus on that one. But above all, we should strive to love God for who He is, and to love what He loves, want what He wants for us instead of accepting our own will as God’s. It’s not easy, so it’s not popular. May we do the hard stuff, and let God do great things for us.

[@davidvartanian]

I agree with what you said. I’ll add: Matthew 5:48 and Luke 6:36 are parallel passages. Perfection is another way of describing maturity as being merciful as God is merciful, which the Pharisees were lacking. The good news of Jesus is that God is merciful and has predestined me for divine adoption and holiness. My rebellious past hasn’t disqualified me from entering the kingdom and I don’t have to earn my way in. With the encouragement and confidence I have in God’s faithfulness, I can pursue fellowship with His Spirit and grow in my character, so I can become merciful and loving like my Father. Then grace and peace will be multiplied in my life.

[@BenJahMin.Houghton]

It's not okay to be OKAY.

[@otiswong2091]

amen

[@cestmoi1796]

there was a little laughing prayer .. came running up the sky.. above the golden gutters ..where the sorry prayers go by it had no fear of anything ..but in that holy place ..it found the very throne of God ..and smiled up to His face ( just wanted to give you some luvin' back😘)

[@petergunn9149]

☦️☦️☦️

[@AramsYoutube]

Someone said once (don't remember who); The ONLY place that you'll be accepted AS YOUR ARE is hell...

[@atomicsnowflake]

I've just been arguing about this very issue with some atheists online. Their argument goes - God creates people as they're meant to be so we have no need to change 🤦 I didn't even have the energy to answer that one so have given up.

[@psalmistinprogress9089]

Atheists have chosen the wrong hill to die on, from any perspective. Historically, they are a recent development. Even the most vile heathens of history did not deny the reality of a Creator. That took Science, falsely so-called, literally science fiction. No one denies that a painting requires a painter except for someone who is mad! There is very good reason that God calls those who deny Him fools. The love the wisdom of this world and hate the Truth. They believe themselves to be intellectually superior to God. They believe the filth of this world is the highest achievement possible. It is this faith which ultimately dooms them. They are living as close to Heaven as they ever will. In this world, we are as close to Hell as we will ever be. Atheists are extremely short sighted and prideful. They can be saved, but first they need to admit that they are wrong. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8 They are the last of a dying breed, too pridefully ignorant to even notice.

[@Michel-ov1sv]

Thank you very much Father Seraphim. This topic is very worrisome and it is as you said it is a heretic world view. It is almost the prevalent thinking in the secular world. Thank you for addressing this matter. Your words defend the true faith and strengthens us in our struggles.

[@remahunt4277]

I will begin by saying honestly, you are a gifted preacher who speaks with Jesus beside you and in you. This comment was written by a person in this world, who is unfortunately fully brainwashed by the world. It is so corrupt, that I wonder every day, how can this earth get any darker? But it does. Most of the younger generations are so lost, only a sermon like this can maybe bring one spark of enlightenment. Maybe. Many were never taught anything that might help them to become Christians or to even make them wonder about spiritual possibilities. They can't help but be lost because they don't know any better. It is very very sad and every day, we that do know better get a little bit sadder. All we think about in my country is who is "woke" and allowing everyone to identify correctly. There are now children who identify as fur people. The other children are punished if they treat them unjustly, and they do bite. I believe that this has come about by pure evil. Fairness to all and unaccountability is the starting place leading directly into hell. This person who wrote you is right with this woke culture. Some identify as they or them, didn't a demoniac identify to Jesus saying, "we are many". This is the end of all we know to be good and right Father. The fruit has all rotted on the vine. Especially where I am. What if we did not have our precious Jesus? Sorry to be so long winded or long fingered in this case. Be safe. I will continue to pray for you each time you cross my mind. Thank you for the continuous streams of love, wisdom, and light that pour from your soul. It is somewhat wonderful.

[@jameshutchins3396]

Fallen creatures in a fallen world, trusting in our own wisdom forcing God to say to us, thy will be done. Father may we all find peace that the world cannot give. Bless you and thank you for a wonderful talk

[@imnotbrian]

Lord have mercy on us all 🙏☦️

[@orthocatsr.8723]

I was born pentecostal in USA and I got a horrendous notion that we were a cult of mandatory POSITIVE BELIEF instead of even trying to comprehend the severity of problems and need for perhaps fasting and depreciation of yourself in prayer that I was shocked when I saw my first Ortho acquaintance being. Orthodoxy woke me up how transient my faithfulness to God is. I'm very negative and I didn't know I can devote being negative to God. I abuse God's grace by not hating myself enough or this world. I don't even deserve to fraternize with you all. I worshiped rock n roll and served asmodeus and worse. I deserve nothing and I naturally hate sacrifice and I can't love my enemies so I need to thank God for burying me in solitude .

[@sabinaberariu3478]

Thank you, father Seraphim. The topic addressed by this video is very needed in today's world, where the teachings from Zen, Buddhism and other lineages provide a much more 'attractive' form of spirituality. Attractive not because it is truthful but because it's more palatable and easier to follow in a fallen world. This radical acceptance of our 'perfection', just as we are, may feel like temporary relief, but it is a dangerous path to follow, with no real spiritual path to follow, no sense of direction and no fuel for any type of self-transformation. With nothing to do and nowhere to go, no wonder mental health issues are more and more prevalent. Another associated concept, very much promoted by the far eastern spirituality that has become so popular in the west is the idea of 'self-acceptance'. This can be easily misunderstood as accepting yourself just as you are, with no room for growth or change, submitting to our sinful nature and even more so today, glorifying it. We practice self-acceptance in an orthodox sense when we acknowledge our human nature with our sins and our inclination towards sin, and then call upon the name of Christ to help and strengthen us to rise from our fallen state again and again. As orthodox Christians we do not negate who and what we are. Nor do we glorify sin. We accept who we are, but we know the antidote to sin, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[@maremare1655]

Thank you for this very true message. I have learned so much from this homily as I have from Fr. Oluoma - Nigeria. 🙏🏻🇺🇸🙆✝️☑️❤️

[@antongeorgiev1704]

A parent doesnt say to his newborn baby "you are perfect, stay that way, I love you because you cant walk and speak", but since he loves him he teaches him those things. Likewise we should let our Father teach us

[@rosatinsley523]

Father Thanks,Thanks please never stop teaching us , thanks many many thanks

[@britviking5960]

When open to God's will change will happen hard it may be but its needed.

[@gretagarbo1119]

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU,DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU,PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU.IF YOU LOVE ONLY THOSE WHO LOVE YOU,WHY SHOULD YOU CLAIM ANY CREDIT?EVEN THE TAX COLLECTORS DO AS MUCH.IF ANYONE STRIKES YOU ON THE RIGHT CHEEK,OFFER THE OTHER ALSO.IF ANYONE TAKES AWAY YOUR COAT,GIVE HIM YOUR CLOAK AS WELL.GIVE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS FROM YOU.AND IF ANYONE TAKES AWAY YOUR GOODS,DO NOT ASK FOR THEM BACK.DO NOT DO TO OTHERS ANYTHING YOU WOULD NOT HAVE THEM DO TO YOU.PASS NO JUDGEMENT,AND YOU WILL NOT BE JUDGED.CONDEMN NOT,AND YOU WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED.FORGIVE,AND YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN.BE PERFECT,JUST AS OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN IS PERFECT.ASK FOR HIS GIFT,AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU.SEEK,AND YOU SHALL FIND.KNOCK,AND THE DOOR SHALL BE OPENED.WHAT FATHER REFUSES HIS CHILD?IF YOU,WHO ARE IMPERFECT,KNOW HOW TO GIVE WHAT IS GOOD TO YOUR CHILDREN,HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN GIVE TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM?!💔🙏

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

Saint Matthew 9:13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

[@giulia1606]

Thank you very much Father . Everytime listening to your teaching is a little waking up. Please do not abandon us/me...

[@trinitarian100]

This man goes to the heart of the matter.

[@zacharyheller1313]

Father, can you please keep me in your prayers? God bless you and the other members of the monastery!

[@lornadoone8887]

This is a particularly cruel heresy because it encourages me to deny my own God-given intuition that something is missing-that I need Him to be complete. It robs us of the opportunity to truly encounter the living and true God. That God loves us as we are is a half truth. His love never wavers because it is Who God Is. He loves all completely because He is perfect love. The whole truth is that God loves us so much, He loves us too much to leave us in our sinful state. Instead He invites us to participate in His grace and be transformed. Glory to God!

[@guitardds]

Well said!

[@Beastify9pointO]

I needed this one. AMEN

[@theconnecticutriverdocumentary]

Thank you.

[@mariazacharias3014]

Your insights are such a blessing, Father!

[@jj83240]

Thank you

[@user-ll3wf6bb6c]

This is very good. Thank you father!

[@darbuck7577]

I love your passion! Beautiful talk. Thank you.

[@gelmallakh]

Thank you Fr Seraphim for your videos and messages God bless you and pray for me and my family please

[@ዋይዜማ]

Thank you father!

[@vivienne4686]

Thank you Father and I cannot imagine how I could live without learning more about the truth from you. I am RC and I just love listening to you as my late Mother was Orthodox and I ended up gaining the best of both faiths. I am so honoured and humbled to hear your teachings. Bless you Father. Vivienne

[@radamanthus]

Thank you, Father.

[@denisships2861]

Thanks for this eyes opener; me as a sinner can't say or should not pretend that I am perfect as I am. This message is widespread from early on teachings to kids to "make them have positive self estime".

[@rosatinsley523]

Thanks Father

[@markojovanovic8856]

Dear Father, you are such a soul, and it is Blessing that Church have you. Give a prayer for me to have love in my heart.

[@MrSurfinblood]

Thank you Father.

[@kostlmusic]

Love you brother. You are doing God's work

[@thepilgrimstar7988]

Wonderful words Father thank you for this teaching God be with you

[@tonyhayes9827]

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

[@rdbare4216]

Excellent blessed teaching TY GBU Father

[@maremare1655]

Truth Fr. You are shaking some tables here. Amen. 🇺🇸☑️💯❤️

[@guitardds]

Mic 🎤 dropping truth here

[@godislove5568]

+Through the prayers of our Holy Father's LORD JESUS CHRIST OUR GOD have mercy on us and save us

[@writerman242]

Father Every time I hear you speak I feel blessed but today even more so. Thank you for speaking with the voice of your heart. This is a really difficult topic for most of us I think. But at least for me I heard and understood truth here. God bless you.

[@frankhronopoulos652]

Thank you for sharing this, I so needed to hear this!!! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.

[@sophry1]

Dear father I give you thanks for your teachings they have helped me immensely ❤

[@julieanntoth5676]

Hello Father Seraphim 🙏thank Jesus🎺 and in your explanations of why who we are truly through who we are created to be🙏🕊🔥🪐❤️‍🔥Amen ☦️🇭🇺✝️🇺🇸and Amen

[@mariami2670]

💯❤❤❤

[@mkeenan1955]

God bless you Father. Your words are so truthful, so instructive. I pray that those who are benighted by the world may heed your words. You have indeed pinpointed an ancient heresy, that nevertheless still is with us now-the one that believes in two Gods, one of which is the God you referred to as being created by mankind as informed by Satan.

[@eleneazmaiparashvili4080]

Dear Father Seraphim, congratulations on the day we memorate St. Seraphim of Sarov! May Jesus bless us and may our fathers assist us on our way to the Kingdom of God.

[@normaodenthal8009]

God accepts and loves us as we are, but that does not mean that we are perfect; and we certainly do not have to become perfect in order to earn God’s love. That’s putting the cart before the horse, and turns God’s infinite love into something conditional and limited. We only become perfect through God’s grace working on us and in us. We become perfect only as we grow in love, and are transformed by God’s love, which then enables us to love God, and love our neighbours as ourselves. Until we have managed to truly love our neighbours, even our enemies, we are certainly not perfect.

[@Mr.SLovesTheSacredHeartofJesus]

Well said.

[@brianbob7514]

It isn’t hard to see that people are far from perfect

[@Wojewoda.]

God bless all the brothers and sisters. I had no idea that there were non-papist celtic christians.

[@chadkline4268]

Yes, what you say is true. But .. Grace is generally only half the story. Proper development is generally just as important. Our sinfulness is our sensual desires. The desire for material by that which is of material. The entrapment of body+mind. It is flesh, but we think it is me. But it is not me. Flesh arises from the earth and returns to the earth. If you care to look, you can see aspects of your being that never age, never get ill, never rest, never sleep and never die. That is what me is. That is what needs development. Orthodoxy is the only form of Christianity that I have ever found that teaches the elements of proper spiritual development. At least, in the few cases I know about. I am still relatively new to Orthodoxy, but I am not new in my discipline and practices which developed outside Christianity because I saw nothing of substance in Christianity and I never knew of Orthodoxy. But for some reason, my views outside Christianity developed very much along the lines of Orthodoxy. Which I am finding somewhat peculiar and interesting.

[@danielmiller2069]

Makes me shudder to think of accusing God of creating us with this fallen nature thereby accusing God of sin while calling it perfect... Confusion. "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow after Me."

[@davemaverick8438]

what do you think about Kabbala and its teachings for self improvement towards God? Was Kabbala used during times of Jesus, and was he a kabbalist?

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

9:28. Woah that's scary. Vain imagination run riot.

[@barbarajomullen79]

The problem I am seeing is in identification with sin. We are not our sin. The call of God is that we be in Him. The scripture says that those who are in Christ do not sin. Of course we in our humanity move away from Christ. We sin. But we are not our sin. Our loving God continually calls us to return to the place within that is in Christ. That place in us is our true self as God had intended us to be. It is a process of becoming in Christ. That person who was created in the image of God is perfect. I do not know anyone in this life who has been able to live continually in Him. But it is who God has created us to be. The problem I see is in identification with sin, as to say we are our sin. We are not. True repentance means to return to our true self. Our true self is in Christ. I would tell the adulteress that she is not her sin. I would tell the demoniac that he is not the demonic being manifested in him. The problem I am seeing is in using sin as part of the definition of self. It is not who we are.