Spiritual war must be fought endlessly and with courage. [THREAD]

If you would like to achieve a quick and easy victory you must fight endlessly and with courage against all your passions. You must particularly fight against self-regard, and foolish self-attachment, which shows itself in self-indulgence and self-pity.

Go into fight without nay reservation and remember that against the numberless armies of devils stand with you innumerable greater armies of heavenly angels and the saints' prayers. "The Lord will war against Amalek forever." (Exo 17:16)

Never be afraid. It is for Christ's honor and glory that you are fighting this battle. He will not let you be conquered, if you do not go over to the enemy's side willingly.

If the Lord tarries in giving you a complete victory over your foes and delays it until the final days of your life, you should understand that He does this to help you, so long as you do not withdraw or stop struggling.

Should you be wounded in the fight, do not abandon your weapons and flee. Retain but one thing, a resolve to fight with all courage and zeal for the fight cannot be avoided. No one can flee from this war, whether in life or death.

And the one who does not fight to conquer his passions and his foes will undoubtedly be taken captive, here or there, and he will suffer death.

It is good to keep in mind the intent which God desires us to stay in this state of warfare.

The blessed Theodorite tells us 10 reasons why God desires us to stay in this state of warfare.

Bcs we're ever surrounded by so many of our foes who are full of bitter hatred, we should expect no peace or rest from them. There'll be no end to assaults. We must be ready for their full attack at any time, and when it happens we must straightaway fight the enemy courageously.

Of course it would have been best if we had not first opened the doors of our mind and allowed our foes and passions to go into our heart and soul.

However because they have already found a way into us, we cannot be heedless, but we must equip ourselves again them to push them out. They are without shame and obstinate and they will not leave us unless we force them out.