“It [patience] is both an invincible weapon and a sort of impregnable tower, easily beating off all annoyances. As a spark falling into the deep does it no injury, but is itself easily quenched, so upon a patient soul whatever unexpected thing falls, this speedily vanishes and does not disturb the soul; for of a truth there is nothing so impenetrable as patience. He who has patience [long-suffering] enjoys a profound calm. Though you surround him with loss, bring insults upon him, bruise him with stripes, you have not wounded him. He has a long-suffering and great soul. This excellence is born of love; for, Love suffers long and is kind (I Cor. 13:4).—John Chrysostom”