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Questions & Answers

Complacency

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Complacency

The question

I was talking with my friend one time because she was upset from something I had done. She mentioned that she was disappointed and surprised because it was not something I would expect of myself. I acknowledged my mistake, but I feel that I have grown to let go of expectations of myself. I did not feel worked up about it, but kind of accepting of my mistake. I am not accepting wrong or bad behavior, but I understand that I am sinner and that I will always fail. However, I know that I must run back to God to give me strength and make me new again. It is a different and unusual feeling, however, because I would usually be disappointed in myself for doing something wrong. I do not recall or I am unsure what the source of those feelings are, whether it is pride or a sense of approval in the eyes of others. Overall, I would like some guidance about my current feelings. I do not know if this sort of contentment is from the devil or if I am growing in my spiritual relationship with God in regards to humility or such.

The answer

Be careful that you do not fall into complacency about your own shortcomings. Apathy and indifference are deceptive ploys from the devil to discourage us from living a Christian life of repentance, forgiveness, love, and charity. Sinners, we all are, but it is not enough to succumb to that status. We are also conquerors through Christ who loves us and paid with His blood to redeem us. That is why we repent over and over again no matter the sin or how many times we fall into the same sins. That is why He gave us the Holy Mysteries so that we confess our sins, receive absolution, and partake of His body and blood, by which we abide in Him and Him in us. This is no small matter. If you offended your friend or anyone, apologize wholeheartedly and strive to repent and reconcile. The prayer of reconciliation in the Divine Liturgy scorches the devils because they cannot comprehend this profound power of love and forgiveness. "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24).

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2277 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.