THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
Heavenly and spiritual comfort nourishes the souls of the righteous like rain enriches a fruitful land, bringing them great joy, as it enables the production of abundant and diverse fruits of righteousness in the sight of God. Furthermore, peace envelops them, imparting a sustained prosperity. Paul assures us, ‘and the peace of God, which is above all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your thoughts’ (Philippians 4:7). Consequently, those who have received such divine gifts will live in tranquility, free from conflict, as the adversary will yield; all opposition will collapse and prove ineffective, the enemy’s attacks will fail, and all fears will be effortlessly dispelled.
Read more (125 words)
A similar promise is found in Deuteronomy, where the Lawgiver, with slight alteration in wording, states: ‘If you will hearken to my commandments which I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, I will give your land rain in due season, early and late; and you shall gather your bread, and your wine, and your oil; and I will give grass in your field for your cattle, and you shall eat and be filled’ (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). Thus, the guidance of the law will instill in our hearts the discipline and order necessary to fulfill God's desires, and the pursuit of the promised blessings will make our virtuous endeavors more enjoyable.