And once other people know that we whom and how much was given, when one could do without it, this person has already received his reward, just other people praise him. On the contrary, the holy and righteous people almost always rises abundant slander the Devil attacks on them by the people. We remember the examples of St. Macarius the Great, St John Chrysostom, St Athanasius, St John of Shanghai and San Francisco, st. Seraphim of Sarov, St.
Simeon, St rights. John Kronstadt, and many others How would they be armed with the devil! Have them on only positive feedback. No way! The world can not hate you, but me it hateth, because I testify of it that its works are evil (John 7, 7). Saints reprove the world with their lives, they have their lives involuntarily opposed themselves to the reigning evil and the devil and the people rose up against them. If a person thinks that's 'faith without works is dead' and so good that I'm helping everyone and people are grateful and if there is such a person the rest of gratification, it is a very dangerous path. Conversely, if a person lives pleasing to God, it must necessarily be slander. And the life of a holy and righteous, the more bad luck.
Man goes up the Beatitudes and reaches, and this: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute and otherwise wrongfully revile for me. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5, 11-12). Further, often the expression 'faith without works is dead' is understood only in the literal sense, that here we are helping and that's our business. But wait, what about the saints, monks and others who could not do abundantly material charity, surely, they did not have affairs? And how did they become saints? Of course, the same things they had and they worked abundant alms. But not much material as spiritual! What a high degree of charity – Prayer! And the prayer is not just for himself but for his neighbor for neighbor, for the fatherland, for the strengthening of Orthodoxy, finally, the whole world! This is a great deal! And business – is not only our business in the usual sense, but this is our prayer and doing. Prayer is the world! We read in Revelation: And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer, and was given much incense, that he had the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne (Rev. 8, 3). That is especially pleasing to God, this is the case especially pleased – our fervent prayer and clean! And the prayer of the Psalter – the same spiritual charity and a very big power! At the same time, if you can do matter of charity, we must do everything possible! Of course, it is important and reasoning. And of course it should be against the background of humility and constant prayer, as taught to us apostles. All our actions should be sanctified by prayer. And not only affairs, but also thought. Important deed of mercy – in the usual sense and prayer feat. If it is, then it will be some thing and say, 'faith without works is dead' will be more than appropriate. And at the same time, no and contrary – to be continued samoukorenie, humility and repentance!