26- What is the meaning of rest?

Those who seek rest at the expense of others misunderstand the meaning of the word “rest” and they are after a false one:

True rest is having an easy conscience, man’s rest with God and also eternal rest. As for the type of rest that those people are looking for, it is not a true rest. The spiritual man sacrifices himself for the sake of others and toils to give others rest. The means to achieve rest also should not be sinful . As it was said: “He who lives only for himself, never lived”. And the Holy Bible says: “In honour giving preference to one another” (Rom 12:10). Man must keep away from selfishness and self-centeredness.

There is only one exception, that is the necessary punishment for pastoral care, in order to give rest to the community and reinforce the spiritual values.

Do not make your comfort at the expense of others

The Spiritual Man Books by H. H. Pope Shenouda III

Holy labour and rest By giving rest to others