2 Chronicles 15:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Those who argue that God's grace is distributed based on our worthiness interpret the message as indicating that our worthiness lies in our relationship with God, suggesting that it is this worthiness that allows us to receive grace so that God may dwell with us. They also perceive our worthiness as stemming from our pursuit of Him; thus, they believe grace is granted to us based on this pursuit, enabling us to encounter the Lord. Furthermore, 1 Chronicles 1 addresses the concept of free will, stating: And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul: for the Lord tests all hearts, and knows all motions of the thoughts. If you seek Him, you will find Him, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you forever (1 Chron. 28:9).

Following baptism, we are reminded, ‘Behold, you are healed; sin no more, lest something worse happen to you (John 5:14).’ Additionally, it is said, ‘Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will punish him (1 Cor. 3:16-17).’ Moreover, the scripture teaches, ‘The Lord is with you when you are with Him; and if you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.’ Within whose sanctuary do you believe the holiness of Christ resides, where the light of the temple remains unclouded? While one cannot maintain a constant exterior, despite philosophical claims of individuals like Socrates, the same is even more true for the soul.

Following the triumph, the prophet Azariah, son of Adad, filled with the Holy Spirit, approached the army and reminded them of God's assistance, encouraging them to uphold their devotion. He declared, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you abandon Him, He will abandon you.”

It is essential to remain steadfast and unwavering in faith and virtues as we pursue divine and spiritual grace, enabling us to reach glory and receive our crowns. The Book of Chronicles states, The Lord is with you when you are with Him; and if you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.