THEOSISGregory the Great
Why do you now say, "Let us chase after him and search for reasons to accuse him"? Flee from the sword, for it is the agent of Divine justice; and I recognize that there is judgment. In the initial statement, he condemned the deeds of the wicked and then revealed the punishments that arise from God's justice. Thus, he questions their motives, asking why they wish to persecute him and find a rationale to speak against him. Malicious individuals, perceiving truth through distorted lenses, hurl accusations and attempt to twist the righteous words into grounds for their claims. They seek an origin for their discourse, aiming to amplify the branches of their slanderous chatter.
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Yet, when a pious person encounters such behavior from the unrighteous, he does not retaliate but rather expresses concern for them. He points out the malice that corrupts their hearts, urging them to renounce it by saying, "Flee from the sword, for the sword is the agent of Divine justice; and I understand that there is judgment." Those who commit evil reveal their shocking indifference to the fear of God’s judgment, acting as if they are unaware of the inevitable reckoning. If they truly acknowledged what is at stake, they would refrain from actions deserving of punishment. Many are aware of a final judgment yet treat it as mere words. Their lawless behavior illustrates their ignorance of its gravity. Those who grasp the terror of such judgment certainly dread their standing on the day of reckoning. Additionally, to "flee from the face of the sword" signifies the need to appease the weighty judgment before it is executed. The final judgment cannot be evaded; only repentance and prayer may alter one's fate before that day. God remains unseen but can be appeased through supplication. However, when He sits in judgment, He will be evident, and appeasement will no longer be possible. For the wrongs committed by the wicked that He has long endured in silence will soon be repaid with wrath. Therefore, it is essential to fear the Judge now, while judgment is yet to be enacted, while He exercises patience and continues to endure the evil present, for when He extends His hand in retribution, His strikes will be more severe the longer He has withheld His justice.