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The Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians (Long Version)
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Chapter 10: Encouragements to Prayer, Humility, etc.
And pray without ceasing on behalf of others; for there is hope of their repentance, that they may attain to God. For “can’t the one who falls rise again, and the one who goes astray return?” Permit them, then, to be instructed by you. Be therefore the ministers of God and the mouth of Christ. For thus says the Lord, “If you take the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth.” Be humble in response to their wrath; oppose their blasphemies with your earnest prayers; while they go astray, stand steadfast in the faith.
CONQUER THEIR HARSH TEMPER WITH GENTLENESS: their passion with meekness. For “blessed are the meek;” and Moses was meek above all men; and David was exceedingly meek.
Therefore, Paul exhorts as follows: “The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle towards all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves.” Do not seek to avenge yourselves on those who injure you, for says [the Scripture], “If I have returned evil to those who returned evil to me.” Let us make them brethren by our kindness.
For say to those who hate you, You are our brethren, that the name of the Lord may be glorified. And let us imitate the Lord, “who, when He was reviled, reviled not again;” when He was crucified, He answered not; “when He suffered, He threatened not;” but prayed for His enemies, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” If anyone, the more he is injured, displays more patience, blessed is he. If anyone is defrauded, if anyone is despised, for the name of the Lord, he truly is the servant of Christ.
Take heed that no plant of the devil is found among you, for such a plant is bitter and salty. “Watch, and be sober,” in Christ Jesus.