Patience, Not Separation from Our Brothers

And so God, the creator of all things, caring above all for the amending of his own handiwork, and because the roots and causes of our falls are found not in others but in ourselves, commands that we should not give up the company of our brothers, nor avoid those we think we have hurt or by whom we have been offended. Instead he bids us make peace with them, knowing that perfection of heart is gained not so much by separating ourselves from men as by the virtue of patience. When patience is held securely, it can keep us at peace even with those who hate peace; but if it has not been gained, its absence keeps us forever at odds even with those who are perfect and better than we are. For occasions of disturbance, which make us eager to get away from those we are connected with, will not be lacking as long as we live among men. So we will not escape altogether, but will only change the causes of the dejection that made us separate from our former friends.