Chapter 11

1But if you desire truly to be Christians, walk in the way of the Lord and loosen every bond of sin. For the Savior commanded you to forgive your neighbor’s trespasses up to seventy times seven. If you are unwilling to forgive them, hear what the prophet Jeremiah says: . . .

2But if you think evil in your heart, harbor hatred, and judge in anger, your prayer will not be able to ascend to God, because you have not kept the commandments of your Lord. But if you have forgiven your brother’s trespass four hundred and ninety times, you have become slow to anger and great in mercy, so that you may save yourself. If you do this, you will be a child of your Father who is in heaven; and when you make supplication to Him, He will hear your prayer as a faithful friend.

3Therefore, bishops, when you gather for prayer, praise, and worship, and to hear the reading of the word of admonition, read the Holy Scriptures. Let the deacon stand among you and cry out in a loud voice, saying, “If anyone has revenge, envy, deceit, or any malice against his neighbor in his heart, let him quickly be reconciled with him. Then God will receive their prayer and supplication.”

4When you enter a house, say, “May the peace of God be in this house.” If sons of peace are there, your peace will rest upon them. As it is written, “He is peace to those who are far off and to those who are near,” that is, to the people who believe in Christ. All who enter the Church of God ought to pray to Him to send peace upon His people.