Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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I have an inner struggle between good and evil inside myself. I want to be good, I hold myself to certain standards. However, I don't do the good that I want, but the bad that I don't want. What does Your Grace think?

The inner struggle you are feeling is not abnormal but one common to, and experienced by many in their spiritual growth. It is a natural process in fighting the temptations of the devil. Life is a continuous struggle between good and evil. St. Paul says, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish" (Gal 5:16-17). Persist faithfully in resisting the devil keeping in mind St. Paul's warnings against this powerful enemy "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph 6:12). The Holy Bible shows us the way to resist and conquer this evil. Praying and reading the Word of God will arm you against that enemy (Eph 6:13-18). Make it a point every night before praying the Agpeya to have a quite time for self examination. Review your day and try to recognize your failures. This will make you always alert to sin on a daily basis. Be steadfast in holding onto God as David the prophet says, "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord" (Ps 31:24).
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