““According to Justin, patience is central to the life of his community in Rome. Justin uses various sayings of Jesus to illustrate the significance of patience for members of his community: turning the other cheek when someone hits them in the face; giving their tunics to someone who takes their cloak; avoiding the incendiary sin of anger; and, if they are compelled to go one mile, going two miles. When people see Christians behaving like this, Justin comments, people are intrigued; they “wonder” at the God whom the Christians say motivates their behavior. 10 So it is important for Christians not to quarrel like other people, and it is essential that they live their “good works” visibly in the sight of others. Then, when Christians live with integrity and visibility, “by our patience [hypomonēs] and meekness [Christians will] draw all men from shame and evil desires.” 11 According to Justin, patience attracts people.””
