Instructions of Hieromonk Hilarion (conclusion)

On the Will

Do not follow your own will, and do not make your own judgements, in this way you will get rid of resentment.  Let go of your own will like you would of foul-smelling clothes, since one’s own will is worse than all evil doings.  The obedient have all been saved, the headstrong have been hurt and some even perished.  One living in silence falls when he abandons prayer; as for a novice, this happens when he starts making his own judgements.  “I know of no fall that happens to a monk”, says Abba Dorotheos, “that does not come from trusting his own judgement.”  And St. Peter of Damascus: “As long as we remember our monastic duties we can be saved in any situation, provided we renounce our own will.”

On Forgiveness

When you fall into sin, being a human being, repent for it before God.  If someone reproaches you, then without any excuses hasten to ask forgiveness with a bow, saying, “Forgive me, I have sinned against you, I am guilty.”  It is good to say forgive me in reply to any words against you, teaches Abba Dorotheus.  If someone reprimands you, insults you or offends you in some other way, do not get angry at that brother.  But, having walked away, say a prayer for him to God this way: “Lord, forgive him”; and attribute that offense to a demon, since it is the demon, who teaches us to offend each other.  Never lie to anyone about anything, and let not your heart cling to evil against anyone, since he who hates those who offend him, hates meekness.  And he who runs from those who offend him, runs away from the peace of Christ.  He, who does not accept punishment, hates himself; he, who accepts reprimands, loves his soul.

On Patience

Try as hard as you can, with the help of God, to acquire patience in bearing sorrows and afflictions.  Ask, knock, and seek day and night, and you will receive help and the firmness of patience from Christ the Savior if you desire it from the heart. One should learn patience which is an indication of greatness of soul, and to suffer everything that happens to us without complain. We will have patience when we accept everything that happens to us both joyful and sorrowful as if coming from the hand of God.  “In your patience possess ye your souls” [Luke 21:19], Christ teaches us.  Endure, servant of God, and you will acquire your soul, if you have destroyed it with sin.  In patience there is a collection of all virtues, which save our souls. St. Ephraim says that he who is patient touches every kind of virtue, since he rejoices in sorrows and in misfortunes.  He is being wise, he is joyful in affliction, he is ready for obedience, he is full of love.  He glorifies God when he is hurt, he is humble when he is reproached, unshakable in distress. He who has acquired patience has acquired hope, he is adorned with all kind of virtuous deeds.  As for other virtues, which are many, like faith, hope and love, you should read the holy books about them and listen to exhortations, through which you will become wise and inherit eternal blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord, which may we all receive through His very help and the grace of God. Amen.