How to "Know Thyself"?

Akita Suggagaki

Well-Known Member
Jul 20, 2018
6,714
4,885
69
Midwest
✟278,829.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I am not sure any of us know ourselves very well. We usually identify too much with our passing thoughts and moods. Perhaps the best trategy is to focus on who Christ is. He calls us to be in unity with him and to discover ourselves in him.
 
Upvote 0

“Paisios”

Sinner
Supporter
Aug 8, 2014
2,876
4,622
55
✟594,142.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Married
Asking as someone who suffers from severe identity disturbances. Looking for real practical answers.
As trite as it sounds, for one with many identity and self confidence and self image issues, the Jesus Prayer has been of great consolation...in conjunction with the Eucharist and confession. This is not something that is fixed outside the Church (sadly)…speak with your priest…this is a communal, i.e. Church affair and needs your parish priest as well as your devotion to address.
 
  • Useful
Reactions: Euodius
Upvote 0

Semper-Fi

Well-Known Member
Supporter
May 26, 2019
1,787
754
63
Pacific north west
✟398,672.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
How to "Know Thyself"?

What Kind Of An Ambassador Are You?

How important is it to make
[a good name] for yourself?

Paul responded with a challenge:
(2 Corinthians 13:5).

-Take a good look at yourself, Paul says.
It is also needed to ask for God’s guidance.

2Examine me, O Lord, and prove me;
try my reins and my heart.

When people think of [your name],
they think of [your reputation].

1A good name is rather to be chosen than great
riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

1A good name is better than precious ointment;
and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

-It's possible for your actions to bring shame to
other people, bringing shame to your parents and
to your family name.

26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

-Your actions can actually improve the reputations of other people.You can bring honor to your parents and increase the family name.

24 The father of the righteous shall greatly
rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child
shall have joy of him.

25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad,
and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

-How can you improve your name and
reputation? Proverbs 21:21; 11:27; 14:9.

How can you harm your reputation?
Proverbs 12:8; 13:5.

If someone steals, he gets a reputation as
a thief, they are known by there fruits.

People can tell whether your actions are
worthy of a good reputation or not.

"Even a child is known by his doings,whether
his work be pure,and whether it be right.

-A person who does diligent work will be
looked up to by others

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business?
he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand
before mean men.

5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes,so is the sluggard to them that send him.

-Gossip can harm someone else’s good name.

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

-How did King David handle people
who slandered other people’s names?

5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

-You can improve your reputation by simply
keeping certain things to yourself.

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

6 Blessings are upon the head of the just:
but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

-Speaking about your own goodness does
not enhance your reputation.

6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

-How do we obtain a good name and honor God

23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

make sure your “doings” are pure and right.
Focus on living virtuously, and “let another
man praise thee, and not thine own mouth.”

As a young man, David had a good reputation
1 Samuel 16:18. He maintained that repu-
tation throughout his life, finding favor with God
and man . 1 Samuel 18:30; Acts 13:22; 7:46.

“Ponder the path of thy feet,
and let all thy ways be established”
 
  • Like
Reactions: Euodius
Upvote 0

“Paisios”

Sinner
Supporter
Aug 8, 2014
2,876
4,622
55
✟594,142.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Married
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Domine Iesu Christe, Fili Dei, miserere mei, peccatoris.
Kyrie Iesou Christe, Yie tou Theou, Eleison me ton amartalon.
Senor Jesucristo, Hijo de Dios, ten piedad de mi, que soy un pecador.
Seigneur, Jésus Christ, Fils de Dieu, aie pitié de moi, pécheur.
Gospodi Iisuse Khriste, Syne Bozhiy, pomiluy mya greshnago
Ayyuha-r-Rabbu Yasu ‘al-Masih, Ibnu-L-Lah, irhamni ana-L-Khati.

Sinjoro, Jesuo Kristo, la Filo de Dio, kompatu min, la pekulon.
Heru Yésus Hristo, Eruion, órava nisse, úcarindo
 
Upvote 0

Euodius

Are you kitten me right meow?
Supporter
Nov 29, 2019
426
341
Stafford
✟49,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
In Relationship
you pray and go to confession. remember it's Christ in Whose image we are all made.

I pray as I can and am usually good with my personal devotions (The Spiritual Psalter, The Prologue of Ohrid, Deathbed Invitations, and daily prayers - any other recommendations would be good.)

How does confession work with... self-amnesia that causes difficulty due to disruption of my recall, as well as loss of articulation. Any advice?
 
Upvote 0

archer75

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Nov 16, 2016
5,930
4,649
USA
✟253,749.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Married
I pray as I can and am usually good with my personal devotions (The Spiritual Psalter, The Prologue of Ohrid, Deathbed Invitations, and daily prayers - any other recommendations would be good.)

How does confession work with... self-amnesia that causes difficulty due to disruption of my recall, as well as loss of articulation. Any advice?
Talk to your priest about this?
 
Upvote 0

ArmyMatt

Regular Member
Supporter
Jan 26, 2007
41,468
20,025
41
Earth
✟1,455,670.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Married
I pray as I can and am usually good with my personal devotions (The Spiritual Psalter, The Prologue of Ohrid, Deathbed Invitations, and daily prayers - any other recommendations would be good.)

How does confession work with... self-amnesia that causes difficulty due to disruption of my recall, as well as loss of articulation. Any advice?

you confess as you can. God knows what He is doing with us. slowly but surely God's grace works on us.
 
  • Optimistic
Reactions: Euodius
Upvote 0

Augustinosia

Orthodox Christian
Feb 8, 2012
146
43
None
✟116,053.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
I suffer from poor recall "in the moment" as well. I find it helps to keep a tiny notebook and pen on hand at all times, so I can jot down sins as they come to mind. Prior to confession, I go through the notebook and write a bullet-point list on a piece of paper as a memory aid.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

SingularityOne

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jul 4, 2018
1,478
861
28
Nashville
✟538,107.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
I pray as I can and am usually good with my personal devotions (The Spiritual Psalter, The Prologue of Ohrid, Deathbed Invitations, and daily prayers - any other recommendations would be good.)

How does confession work with... self-amnesia that causes difficulty due to disruption of my recall, as well as loss of articulation. Any advice?

I relate. Talk with your spiritual father for direction as I am not one to be listened to for your spiritual direction. However, I do use a list in my phone for confession. Focus on the virtues though, not the sin. Despair not my friend.
 
  • Optimistic
Reactions: Euodius
Upvote 0

Moses Medina

Layman
Sep 10, 2012
1,082
307
North Carolina
Visit site
✟45,257.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I suffer from poor recall "in the moment" as well. I find it helps to keep a tiny notebook and pen on hand at all times, so I can jot down sins as they come to mind. Prior to confession, I go through the notebook and write a bullet-point list on a piece of paper as a memory aid.

I have to do this myself or I will forget. :-(
 
  • Like
Reactions: Euodius
Upvote 0

JohnTh

Newbie
Sep 25, 2011
305
360
Visit site
✟32,051.00
Country
Greece
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Private
Upvote 0

Euodius

Are you kitten me right meow?
Supporter
Nov 29, 2019
426
341
Stafford
✟49,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
In Relationship
Wait, wait, wait... confession is not an informational act. Do what you can with sincerity and God will do the same. Here are some advice and, also, know what thoughts we should confess.

Besides the spiritual plane above, yes, have a list.

The problem is not merely informational, but disassociational - personal history is effected, but… I somewhat forget who I am, I say "I don't exist." when I'm in that state of mind - and I don't really have much more to say than that when I'm in that state. So, I go and say what I can during the episode, but I really can't say much. Only afterward, when I'm restored, then can I confess (personal history is back as well as the stability to make statements with some resemblance to reality.)
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

Akita Suggagaki

Well-Known Member
Jul 20, 2018
6,714
4,885
69
Midwest
✟278,829.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
The problem is not merely informational, but disassociational - personal history is effected, but… I somewhat forget who I am, I say "I don't exist." when I'm in that state of mind - and I don't really have much more to say than that when I'm in that state. So, I
,
Perhaps it is a bit of a blessing since most of us are so identified and enmeshed with our ego.
You seem to get a little break from it.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Euodius

Are you kitten me right meow?
Supporter
Nov 29, 2019
426
341
Stafford
✟49,334.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
In Relationship
,
Perhaps it is a bit of a blessing since most of us are so identified and enmeshed with our ego.
You seem to get a little break from it.
I'm not sure about that. My ego might be unstable, but it is present, and if anything it just makes the ego harder to deal with.
 
Upvote 0

Akita Suggagaki

Well-Known Member
Jul 20, 2018
6,714
4,885
69
Midwest
✟278,829.00
Country
United States
Faith
Catholic
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I'm not sure about that. My ego might be unstable, but it is present, and if anything it just makes the ego harder to deal with.
You certainly know your situation better than I.
 
Upvote 0