However let no one of you suffer
as a murderer
as a thief
as an evildoer
or as busybody.
So if (one of you suffers)
as a Christian,
let them not be ashamed,
but let them glorify God
in this matter1
because (it is) the time
for judgement
to begin
(starting) from the house of God.
for if (it begins) first with us,
what will be the end of those who disobey the Gospel of God?
and if the righteous will be barely saved
where will the godless and sinner be?2
So let those who suffer
according to the will of God,
entrust their souls,
to a faithful Creator
by doing good.
Steer the ship of my life, good Lord, to your quiet harbour,
where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict.
Show me the course I should take.
Renew in me the gift of discernment,
so that I can always see the right direction in which I should go.
And give me the strength and the courage to choose the right course,
even when the sea is rough and the waves are high,
knowing that through enduring hardship and danger in your name
we shall find comfort and peace.
Amen
Basil of Caesarea (c.329-379)