Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You have done well to pray for the salvation of those hostile men and to seek God's blessing upon them. This is the very mind of Christ, who commands us to love even our enemies. When we do so, we are not diminished but greatly benefited, for by bearing their spiteful acts meekly we gain deliverance from sins, fortitude, patience, and a freedom from anger to which nothing can be equal. He that knows not how to hate will not squander his life in vain sorrows, but will enjoy true peace.
Consider how much God has loved us: while we were yet sinners and enemies, Christ died for us. If the Master laid down His life for the ungodly, how can the servant utter a word of cursing or pray for their harm? Let no bitter thing come from the mouth that has received His holy Mysteries. Instead, fill your prayer with thanksgiving, and you will find healing for your own soul.
For the root of every conflict lies in the things of this life, but if we despise these, no one can steal our true treasure or our honor from above. Do not be troubled that such enmity arose; Christ Himself foretold that He came not to send a shallow peace, but a sword, and we must be watchful against enemies both open and disguised. Yet the same Lord is the King of Righteousness and King of Peace, who has made peace for things in heaven and things on earth. He has already perfected forever those who are being sanctified, and He sits at the right hand of God until all His enemies, even every unbelieving power, are put under His feet.
Your prayer for these men is itself a work of that peace. Forgive them from the heart, and you will be forgiven; then grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will keep you unmoved, and you will move forward in the liberty of the sons of God.
Consider how much God has loved us: while we were yet sinners and enemies, Christ died for us. If the Master laid down His life for the ungodly, how can the servant utter a word of cursing or pray for their harm? Let no bitter thing come from the mouth that has received His holy Mysteries. Instead, fill your prayer with thanksgiving, and you will find healing for your own soul.
For the root of every conflict lies in the things of this life, but if we despise these, no one can steal our true treasure or our honor from above. Do not be troubled that such enmity arose; Christ Himself foretold that He came not to send a shallow peace, but a sword, and we must be watchful against enemies both open and disguised. Yet the same Lord is the King of Righteousness and King of Peace, who has made peace for things in heaven and things on earth. He has already perfected forever those who are being sanctified, and He sits at the right hand of God until all His enemies, even every unbelieving power, are put under His feet.
Your prayer for these men is itself a work of that peace. Forgive them from the heart, and you will be forgiven; then grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will keep you unmoved, and you will move forward in the liberty of the sons of God.
