Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You cry out that you feel left out and broken, and you ask why God has made it so hard for you. Do not think that your loneliness and pain are a sign that He has abandoned you. On the contrary, He often permits such trials to detach our hearts from the world and to draw us to Himself. When human friendships fail, when men seem cold and distant, then the soul learns to seek the one friendship that can never be lost. God did not create you for isolation, but He allows this emptiness so that you might hunger for the bread that truly satisfies.
You say that you are different in some weird way, and so people turn from you. But examine yourself: is this difference a strangeness of manner that springs from pride, or from a simple and awkward heart? If it is from pride, root it out with lowliness and meekness. Christ commanded, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and the Apostle urges us to have all lowliness toward everyone, friend or foe. If you are gentle and humble in your bearing, you may find doors opening. Yet if you are rejected for righteousness’ sake, or simply because the world does not understand a soul that yearns for God, then rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.
The friendships of this world are often built on nothing but eating and drinking, shared interests, or convenience. Such companionship vanishes when trials come. Do not envy those who surround themselves with fair-weather friends; their bonds are fragile and often lead to harm. True friendship, the kind that makes a fortified city of brothers, is grounded in godliness alone. It seeks the salvation of the other, it endures every change, and it cannot be bought with a full table. If you have not found this yet, do not despair. Seek it among the faithful in the church, those who love virtue and fear God. And if even there you taste loneliness, remember that Christ Himself stands ready to be your friend.
For hear what He says: “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” The God of all glory, infinitely rich, earnestly desires your friendship. He did not hold back His own Son to win it. Do you see? While we cling to our little coins, He gave all. Will He then abandon you to sorrow? Never. Draw near to Him through prayer, through fasting, through clinging to His word, and you will find a companionship that surpasses all human affections. This pain you feel is the voice of your soul crying out for the only friend who can heal it.
Do not, then, chase after friendships that would drag you down to perdition. Better to walk alone in the narrow way than to march with a crowd toward destruction. If your isolation keeps you from evil companions, it is a mercy in disguise. And do not let resentment fester against those who seem cold. Forgive them, pray for them, and offer your loneliness to God as a sacrifice of incense. He is near to the brokenhearted.
The world is indeed a cold and inhospitable place when we seek warmth in anything but its Maker. But you were not made for this world ultimately. Endure this trial with patience, and let it turn you completely to the love of God. He has called you by name; He will not let you go. In His friendship you will find a gathering of true brothers and sisters, both here and in the age to come. Hold fast.
You say that you are different in some weird way, and so people turn from you. But examine yourself: is this difference a strangeness of manner that springs from pride, or from a simple and awkward heart? If it is from pride, root it out with lowliness and meekness. Christ commanded, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and the Apostle urges us to have all lowliness toward everyone, friend or foe. If you are gentle and humble in your bearing, you may find doors opening. Yet if you are rejected for righteousness’ sake, or simply because the world does not understand a soul that yearns for God, then rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven.
The friendships of this world are often built on nothing but eating and drinking, shared interests, or convenience. Such companionship vanishes when trials come. Do not envy those who surround themselves with fair-weather friends; their bonds are fragile and often lead to harm. True friendship, the kind that makes a fortified city of brothers, is grounded in godliness alone. It seeks the salvation of the other, it endures every change, and it cannot be bought with a full table. If you have not found this yet, do not despair. Seek it among the faithful in the church, those who love virtue and fear God. And if even there you taste loneliness, remember that Christ Himself stands ready to be your friend.
For hear what He says: “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” The God of all glory, infinitely rich, earnestly desires your friendship. He did not hold back His own Son to win it. Do you see? While we cling to our little coins, He gave all. Will He then abandon you to sorrow? Never. Draw near to Him through prayer, through fasting, through clinging to His word, and you will find a companionship that surpasses all human affections. This pain you feel is the voice of your soul crying out for the only friend who can heal it.
Do not, then, chase after friendships that would drag you down to perdition. Better to walk alone in the narrow way than to march with a crowd toward destruction. If your isolation keeps you from evil companions, it is a mercy in disguise. And do not let resentment fester against those who seem cold. Forgive them, pray for them, and offer your loneliness to God as a sacrifice of incense. He is near to the brokenhearted.
The world is indeed a cold and inhospitable place when we seek warmth in anything but its Maker. But you were not made for this world ultimately. Endure this trial with patience, and let it turn you completely to the love of God. He has called you by name; He will not let you go. In His friendship you will find a gathering of true brothers and sisters, both here and in the age to come. Hold fast.
