Pride and selfishness are defining traits of a person who has turned away from God. These tendencies first appeared in our ancestors after the Fall, immediately distorting their personal relationships. Care for one another and the environment, along with trust in God, were replaced by self-reliance and egocentrism. This is emphasized in the Easter Epistle of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia.
The Patriarch notes that we must recognize that any talent or ability we possess is a gift from God, and only our free will is truly ours, which must be directed wisely.
"This vice, imposed by the forces of evil, remains our primary challenge today. That is why, as a theologian observes, the word 'I' dominates our lives so profoundly.
An egotist delights in themselves, takes pride in their abilities, considering them their own achievements, and consciously or unconsciously seeks to assert themselves everywhere, often forgetting God or invoking His name mechanically.
We must realize that any talent or ability we possess is bestowed by God. What is truly ours is only our free will, which we must guide righteously. Furthermore, we are called to serve our neighbors in their journey toward God. Jesus Christ came into this world to serve, and He entrusted this mission to us. Thus, our dedication, love, and sacrifice for others are the means by which we achieve salvation and draw closer to God.
Therefore, along with other commandments, we must fulfill one of the foremost teachings of the Lord: 'Love your neighbor as yourself' and, even more, the new commandment of the New Testament given by the Savior: 'A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another' (John 13:34).
Only through this path can we achieve the greatest personal miracle—casting out selfishness from our hearts and making room for God. This is the only way to attain citizenship in Heaven.
‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved’ (John 10:9), teaches Jesus Christ,” the Patriarch states in the Easter Epistle.
