In his letter to Polycarp, St. Ignatius uses the image of wounds needing different remedies. He is speaking about pastoral care. The troublesome person is to be approached with meekness, and visible needs with tenderness. His comparison asks the bishop to consider whom he is helping and what that person needs. Ignatius, To Polycarp, chapter 2
The image is useful because a familiar response may still be unfitted to a particular person. Ignatius places gentleness beside discernment and prayer for understanding. He does not supply a medical treatment, nor does he invite Polycarp to stop caring for difficult people. He asks for care that attends to their actual condition. Ignatius, To Polycarp, chapter 2
Paul’s instruction to the Thessalonians likewise distinguishes several responsibilities: admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak and be patient with everyone. The distinctions matter. Encouragement, correction and practical support all have a place, while patience governs the treatment of the people concerned. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
In an ordinary conversation, this can begin with listening before assuming that the help another person needs is the help we already planned to give. We may need to ask a question, offer encouragement or speak a careful correction. Those possibilities follow Paul’s distinctions. We should not pretend that the brief passage lets us diagnose every hidden difficulty. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Ignatius’s counsel gives the response its purpose: tender care for the person before us. Prayer for understanding belongs with that care. The next faithful step may therefore be to learn more about the need, while keeping patience in the manner of our help. Discernment and kindness can be practiced together. Ignatius, To Polycarp, chapter 2
For prayer, use the Lord’s Prayer given by Christ in Matthew 6:9–13.
Sources and edition notes
- Ignatius, To Polycarp. Source. Translated by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0110.htm.
Scripture references link to these comparison editions: NKJV. Biblical passages are paraphrased. Biblical language within a patristic quotation follows the identified historical English translation.