I’m reading “The Sayings of the Desert Fathers”. This excerpt, recounted in the section on Abba Poemen, reminded me of Father Zossima.
34. Another brother questioned him in these words: What does, “See that none of you repays evil for evil” mean? (1 Thess. 5.15) The old man said to him, ‘Passions work in four stages -first, in the heart; secondly, in the face; thirdly, in words; and fourthly, it is essential not to render evil for evil in deeds. If you can purify your heart, passion will not come into your expression; but if it comes into your face, take care not to speak; but if you do speak, cut the conversation short in case you render evil for evil.’
