The Evil Inclination

What about not doing evil because we love Hashem, blessed be He? Since we love him we do not want to sin because we could lose him? Does this behavior appears like one "thinks" that we are holier than others? Or is a true, real feeling of love for Hashem. Evil separates us from our G-d.

Thank you for the question of applying this teaching to those who are non-jewish. Identity is so important. We all of us need wisdom. we who wish to relate to God need to answer evil correctly. This teaching helps all of us.

Evil Inclination is something G-d solves in us, we cannot solve this on our own accord no matter how we look at it. The more we abstain, the worse it gets, the more prideful and self righteous we become. What I have found in my life is that sin falls off like a scab, when G-d changes us, we are changed for ever. When he sets free only then are we free. We cannot say we were set free from bondage because of own effort, we can say however that he sets us free with his mighty hand. We must deal with these things issue by issue and allow G-d to work on us and we will go free of all temptation eventually. If not here then in the afterlife. One way I keep from getting stressed by the subject is to know that G-d is in control of my delivereance, that I am exactly where I should be not one step ahead and not one step behind as his work is a perfect work and I do not try and tell him what to make of me. If he wishes I remain captive I can do nothing to resist this prison,

bless thee Rabbino, for the talk, G-d has show me the light through this talk!

Thanks. I happen to be studying Chapter 8 of Tanya this correlates. I will listen to more of your talks.

What does it mean that you love G-d?
That you identify with H-s needs? That you feel the same way He does about evil?
That is exactly what Rabbi Friedman is saying about identifying your true self with the G-dly soul.

I once thought like you - that I never can be good - that nobody is good. But that is false teaching. I have since found the truth and converted to Judaism like Ruth the convert.

We are commanded to be be good. To choose life over death. The Torah has many verses that state how a man can be righteous.

What about: I shall not sin because G-d loves me and I love Him?
Becasue I love Him I do not want to cause Him pain by being disobedeint.
I never can be good, G-d in me is good and leads me in doing good things.
My Christain perspective.

I so appreciate R'Friedman's calm tone and accurate listening to the questions posed to him.

Hi Aaron,

Even though you chose to eat a non-kosher sandwich on March 12 2008, you are still a "Good man".

There's no escaping yourself and your inheritance, anywhere in the world, but you can break free of the clutches of the world by learning the Book of Tanya with a competent teacher.

Good luck!