ACC ~ Mark 7 v15

THE CYCLE OF BITTERNESS BROKEN BY FORBEARANCE

TERTULLIAN: Let us, then, his servants, follow our Lord and patiently submit to denunciations that we may be blessed! If, with slight forbearance, I hear some bitter or evil remark directed against me, I may return it, and then I shall inevitably become bitter myself. Either that, or I shall be tormented by unexpressed resentment. If I retaliate when cursed, how shall I be found to have followed the teaching of our Lord? For his saying has been handed down that one is defiled not by unclean dishes but by the words which proceed from his mouth. [1] ON PATIENCE 8. [2]

[1] Mk 7:15.

[2] Cetedoc 0009, 8.15; FC 40:207*. Absorb censure patiently, for one’s character cannot be inwardly besmirched by external reproaches from others but only by what comes out of oneself.