On Life 81 – Respect and Appreciation – June 13, 2015

   Painfully he asked himself, “Why doesn’t my friend appreciate my love and giving? Why doesn’t he feel it when I am the first to support him at times of pain and tribulation? Is there something wrong with me or him?” He remained this way until night. Darkness overshadowed the room. A chill ran through his body. Everything was silent, save those painful outcries that tore his heart apart.

   Lost confidence cannot be retrieved, and broken hearts are pained all through life. Even if man tries to restore broken ties between him and others, certain injuries are incurable.

   So, mark this: never let down a person who offers you his heart and feelings, and tries to illuminate your somber life. If you do, you will get lost: for those who love you sincerely are but a few, and loving friends are hard to come by. So, do not neglect them lest you lose them. Such people listen to you attentively, understand your silence, and share your happiness and sadness.

   Also, never hurt any person’s dignity, even if he seems unworthy. Humanity is a great dignity. Respecting others expresses your morality. Once I read these words, “If you respect me, I shall respect you. If you do not, I shall respect you also, for I represent myself!” Likewise, when you sow respect, you will reap respect. Human relations fail if they lack in respect. When we differ, respect preserves our dignity and humanity.

   If someone hurts you, but comes to apologize, do not reject him. Remorse is enough for him. Be supportive of the weak; do not destroy them: for whoever regrets a word or deed suffers from pain. Help him overcome his pain and let him learn life’s lessons gently.

   Here, it is worthy to recall the phrase, “Nothing returns the way it was.” That is true. Man should know that matters never return the way they were: for words and incidents either change man positively or negatively. It is said, “You never walk into the same waters twice.” So, treat others in a positive manner. Strengthen love and fraternity with everybody. Pause before you utter any word: for words are quite strong. Use them wisely that you might help and edify others.

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center