The Two Ways

There are two ways: one of life and one of death, and the difference between the two ways is great. Now the way of life is this. First, love the God who made you; second, your neighbor as yourself; and whatever you do not want done to you, do not do to anyone else. The teaching of these words is this: bless those who curse you, pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. What credit is it to you if you love those who love you? Do not the nations do the same? But you — love those who hate you, and you will not have an enemy. [a]

Keep away from cravings of the flesh and of the body. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well, and you will be perfect. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him your tunic as well. If someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back; you cannot anyway. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for it back, for the Father wants his own gifts given to everyone. Blessed is the one who gives according to the command, for he is innocent. But woe to the one who receives! If a person receives because he is in need, he is innocent; but the one who receives without needing it will pay the penalty for why he received and for what. He will be put in custody and questioned about what he did, and he will not get out of there until he has paid back the last quadrans. And about this it has also been said: “Let your gift sweat in your hands until you know whom you are giving it to.” [d]