Shows Humility and Selflessness Consistently
This point is shown in his epistle teachings of:
Polycarp 2:3
but remembering the words which the Lord spake, as He taught; Judge not that ye be not judged. Forgive, and it shall be forgiven to you. Have mercy that ye may receive mercy. With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again; and again Blessed are the poor and they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God.
Polycarp 3:1
These things, brethren, I write unto you concerning righteousness, not because I laid this charge upon myself, but because ye invited me.
The above statements show humility as he is not boasting as such of his rightouesness, though thanking God for the opportunity to be. St Polycarp's is also selfless in the respect that he prayed for all people, all the time, for one of his teachings was to pray all the time to escape tempation. This is seen when he asks to have one hour of prayer time before taken for his execution.He then prayed with such fervency, his guards repented for taking him, an old man to his death.
It can be seen through his faith and life that the youth of today can relate. This could be through:
Polycarp 2:3
but remembering the words which the Lord spake, as He taught; Judge not that ye be not judged. Forgive, and it shall be forgiven to you. Have mercy that ye may receive mercy. With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again; and again Blessed are the poor and they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God.
Polycarp 3:1
These things, brethren, I write unto you concerning righteousness, not because I laid this charge upon myself, but because ye invited me.
The above statements show humility as he is not boasting as such of his rightouesness, though thanking God for the opportunity to be. St Polycarp's is also selfless in the respect that he prayed for all people, all the time, for one of his teachings was to pray all the time to escape tempation. This is seen when he asks to have one hour of prayer time before taken for his execution.He then prayed with such fervency, his guards repented for taking him, an old man to his death.
It can be seen through his faith and life that the youth of today can relate. This could be through:
- Rather than boasting of attractive assets or particular qualities, gratification of these can be given.
- To put others first, before yourself is a selfless act. Help others in need, whether that is through prayer (like St Polycarp) , or through physical and emotional means.