To turn an adversary into a friend, one must exhibit humility, gentleness, and love, refraining from repaying wrongdoing with further wrongs or irritation; for as fire does not extinguish fire, evil does not conquer evil, and resentment cannot mend resentment—it will only increase animosity. Instead, meekness, humility, and love have the power to overcome all forms of hatred. Scripture clearly states: “The answer of the humble will take away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
His Holiness Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, recounts a story about two bishops living near one another who found themselves in conflict. One was wealthy and aggressive, while the other was characterized by profound humility. The wealthy bishop sought to harm his humble counterpart. Upon hearing of this rivalry, the humble bishop assured his clerics, “I know what I will do to conquer this situation by the grace of Christ.” They questioned him, “My lord, who could oppose you?” He replied, “Just wait a bit, and you shall witness the mercy of God.” When the feast of the holy martyrs occurred in the city of the hostile bishop, the humble bishop set out to meet him, bringing his clerics along. He instructed them, “Follow my lead and do as I do; we shall overcome him.” His clerics, puzzled, wondered what his intentions were. Upon entering the city, they observed the other bishop process with a throng of believers toward the holy martyrs. The humble bishop approached him and, along with his clerics, fell at his feet, proclaiming, “Forgive us, O Lord, from now on we are your servants.” This act of humility surprised the opposing bishop and softened his heart. God transformed his harshness into affection as he lowered himself to the humble bishop, grasped his feet, and implored, “You, my lord, forgive me!” From that moment onward, a deep bond of love flourished between them. The humble bishop turned to his clerics, stating, “Did I not tell you that I would prevail through the grace of Christ? When you encounter an enemy, respond in kind, and you shall find victory.”
Thus, it becomes clear that a humble word and a posture of submission can dispel fury, mend enmity, and transform foes into friends. Conversely, harsh words only fan the flames of anger. In recounting the life of St. Macarius of Egypt, we find a tale where one day he instructed his disciple to walk ahead of him while approaching the mountain of Nitria. The disciple encountered a pagan priest who was in a hurry and carrying a large branch. The monk provocatively shouted, “Listen, listen, demon, where are you going?” In retaliation, the priest severely beat him, leaving him on the brink of death before fleeing. Soon afterward, as Abba Macarius met the priest, he called out, “Flee, laborer, flee!” The priest, bewildered, responded, “What good do you see in me to greet me in such a way?” The priest confessed, “I am humbled by your words and perceive you as a man of God. However, the other monk who met me provoked my rage, leading me to severely harm him.” The priest then fell to the saint’s feet, saying, “I will not depart until you make me a Christian and a monk.” Accompanying St. Macarius, they returned to where the injured brother lay and brought him to the church on the Nitrian mountain. The monks there were astonished to see a pagan priest in fellowship with St. Macarius. They baptized him and welcomed him into monastic life, subsequently drawing many Greeks into the faith through his example. Abba Macarius concluded, “A wicked word corrupts good intentions, while a kind word has the power to redeem evil.”
THEOSIS