When you are being plagued, never ask what for and
why. You will never find that in the Scripture. Instead, it says: "If
somebody strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him. It is
really difficult to strike one on the right cheek and should be understood as:
if somebody starts to denigrate you or provoke you unjustifiably, that will
mean hitting you on your right cheek. Do not grumble but bear this blow
patiently, and turn your left cheek, that is, remembering your past faulty
deeds. If in this time you are innocent, then you have sinned greatly in the
past; with this you will be convinced that you deserve punishment. Self justification
is a large sin."
"Batushka, teach me patience" – said one
sister. "Learn," the Starets answered, "and begin by being
patient with the disappointments that you find and meet." "I can’t
understand how you can not get upset with insults and unfairness." The
Starets’s answer: "Be fair yourself and don’t upset anyone."
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