THEOSISGregory the Great
The might of their hands means nothing to me, and by their existence alone, they are deemed unworthy (Job 30:2). The 'might of hands' represents practical greatness. Nevertheless, the 'power in the hands' of false teachers is regarded as insignificant by the Holy Church, for she understands that if true faith is absent, their actions hold no merit. Those who nurture erroneous ideas about God and divide themselves from their neighbors have abandoned the love of God and of others. Yet, as a prominent preacher has pointed out, 'power in hand' devoid of love yields no benefit, as he stated, "And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3).
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Occasionally, heretics may perform signs and wonders, but they do so only to achieve worldly recognition for their teachings. Therefore, it is proclaimed by the voice of the Savior, "Many shall say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and have we not cast out devils in thy name, and done many miracles in thy name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice iniquity" (Matthew 7:22-23). What are we to derive from this statement if not that humility and love should be esteemed in humanity, not merely the outward manifestations of miraculous gifts? Consequently, the Holy Church today regards any miracles attributed to heretics as insignificant, recognizing that they do not substantiate holiness. The true measure of holiness lies not in performing miracles but in loving every person as oneself, thinking of God truthfully, and judging one's neighbor more favorably than oneself. Genuine power derives from love, not from miraculous acts, as affirmed by the 'Truth,' who proclaimed, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love among yourselves" (John 13:35). He did not say, 'By these let it be known that ye are My disciples, if ye perform miracles,' but rather, 'if ye have love among yourselves,' thus unequivocally affirming that it is love, rather than miracles, that signifies true servants of God. Hence, the authentic demonstration of heavenly discipleship is the gift of brotherly love. This very love is what all heretics reject, isolating themselves from the unity of the Universal Church. Therefore, they are rightly told, "The power of their hands is nothing to me." Furthermore, since they do not embody humility in their outward displays, it is justly added: "by their very life they have been deemed unworthy." Indeed, the Holy Church pronounces all heretics unworthy of life because they oppose the Name of Christ while claiming to uphold it. Concerning them, it is further stated: