Calibration

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14

It’s a true art to calibrate the right response to everyone - do you challenge, do you encourage, do you help? One way or the other, we’re called to be patient.

The 4th century monk Poemen was sought out for advice on how to keep others in the community in line. His response shows uncommon insight - a wise calibration. Ask God for that wisdom and patience today.

When Poemen was asked how he dealt with any brother who fell asleep during public prayer, he replied, ‘I put his head upon my knees and help him to rest.’

- Benedicta Ward, The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks