In the previous article, we spoke of those who teach you, like the honest and loving, and the sage who utter timeless words, as well as those who make you so sad that you train yourself and become adept at overcoming obstacles.
Likewise, you learn from the trials and pains that alight upon others: for, as you observe these people’s behavior, you learn a lot of useful lessons. So, try to learn from whoever you encounter: be it somebody hurrying to help a blind person, a youth helping an elderly lady with her luggage without her asking him, a man supporting his friend during hardship, or even a child! You are sure to learn even from those who destroy their lives by evil doing.
We should learn from people’s deeds and their results. Learn from whoever you encounter, for each gives you an important lesson: be it of good or bad outcomes. Thus, you also have choose which to apply.
Some Test You
Indeed there are people who put you to the test, that is, they try your good attributes and constancy in clinging to them, or try to show your defects that you might change them to virtues.
Here, I recall the story of a furious teacher, which affected his treatment of his students who dreaded his anger. It came to pass that he was responsible for arranging the morning queue. So, he started observing his students to see how serious and committed they were. He strictly asked them to raise their right hands with their IDs, which the students did, except for one who raised his left hand.
The teacher got furious and decided to use force that the child might learn commitment. So, he started ordering him to raise his right hand, but the child did not do! The teacher’s fury increased. He hurried to the child to punish him for disobedience. Yet, no sooner had he approached the child than he saw he had no right arm! The teacher felt a hard blow within him. He was horrified by what he did to the child. Ever since, he realized the importance of being in need of kindness, and that he lacked in deliberation, which could lead him to destroying others, or living in endless remorse.
Indeed, during our lifetime, we encounter many people, each of whom is to play a role in our life which impact we need to realize. Live as a loving person who learns and clings to the humane attributes which God has granted you.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
