The Spiritual Path of Virtue and Deification
The development of virtues and the pursuit of deification are similar paths that lead to the attainment of the highest spiritual values, which bestow true spiritual beauty upon the soul. As a person becomes increasingly filled with qualities such as humility, love, simplicity, and kindness, his inner life acquires a light that reflects divine truth. The virtuous state of the soul, shaped through continuous spiritual effort, is not so much manifested in individual actions as it is expressed in an overall striving for holiness and purity—that is, in the deification of God.As stated in one source:"If humility and love, simplicity and kindness are not closely linked with prayer within us, then even the best prayer—or rather, the mere semblance of prayer—can bring very little benefit. ... If we do not see within ourselves the fruits of love, peace, joy, meekness, and if we fail to add the fruits of humility, simplicity, sincerity, faith, as appropriate, generosity, and friendliness, then our labors have been in vain..." (source: link txt).Another citation emphasizes that a sincere pursuit of the soul’s virtuous state and love for God is valued more than any external display:"For the person who sincerely loves God, virtuous living is more desirable than the Kingdom, because the true Kingdom consists in acquiring the Lord’s favor and mercy through a virtuous life. Let us learn to care for virtue and greatly value pleasing God. We need not refer to managing the household, looking after the wife, or caring for the children..." (source: link txt).Additionally, the development of the inner harmony of the soul through the aspiration for deification underscores that divine deification, which arises from our virtues, not only deepens our spiritual aspirations but also brings spiritual benefit:"Divine deification in our virtues will once again lead us to the understanding of prayers. Deepen our spiritual aspirations toward deification and, through this, accumulate spiritual benefit." (source: link txt).Thus, the attainment of fruits such as love, meekness, and sincerity attests to the gradual transformation of the soul which, developing along a virtuous path and aspiring to deification, becomes capable of perceiving and reflecting the highest spiritual values. This inner transformation renders the soul truly beautiful, for it is enveloped in the light of grace and oriented toward eternal Divine perfection.