Absent Quote by Symeon the New Theologian
“... if we are ashamed to imitate our Lord's sufferings, which He endured for us, and to suffer as He suffered, it is obvious that we shall not become partakers with Him in His glory. If that is true of us we shall be believers in word only, not in deed. When deeds are absent, our faith is dead.”
About This Quote
Faith must be lived through suffering and imitation of Christ; without such deeds, belief remains hollow.
In simple terms: Faith without suffering is empty.
Key Takeaway
Deeds validate belief.
Themes
spiritual discipline
suffering
authenticity
faith practice
Christian mysticism
Mood
solemn
reflective
hopeful
Type
theological
didactic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal spiritual struggle
- church teaching on suffering
- pilgrimage experiences
- contemplative prayer
- missionary hardship
Key Concepts
imitation of Christ
participation in glory
faith vs. works
Practical Applications
- encouraging believers to embrace suffering
- guiding spiritual formation programs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal suffering deepen one's faith?
- What risks arise when faith is reduced to mere doctrine?
![“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] was... carried up to heaven (Lk. 24:50-51). With a radiant cloud for a chariot, He ascended in glory (cf. Acts 1:9), entered the Holy of Holies not made by hands and sat down on the right hand of the heavenly majesty, making our human substance share His own throne and…” quote by Gregory Palamas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f8e/gregory-palamas-12213_cfs_our-lord-jesus-christ-was-carried-up-to_2909032.jpg)
