Question 329 of the same. I beseech you, my father, tell me how one should correct (one's neighbors) and in what case one should be foolish, that is, to present oneself as if one does not understand the matter and does not pay attention to it? And if I am not successful in the matter, should I impose upon myself a prohibition regarding it?

John's answer. With regard to men, do this: when you know that the man who has sinned is prudent and accepts your words, when admonishing him, say: "Brother! If we do God's work with negligence, it is destruction for the soul. Well, have you done well now? Try to move forward (reform)." If he is foolish, say to him: "Believe me, brother, that you are worthy of punishment for your negligence, and as soon as I tell the abba, he will punish you severely." And when it is possible to appear to be incomprehensible, consider your brother's error: and if it is not great, show that you did not understand it; but if it is great, then it should not appear to those who do not understand. You should not impose a ban on yourself (to engage in work) in case of failure, but you should not neglect it either. Having experienced it, ask forgiveness from God, for otherwise you will fall into negligence.

Question 330 of the same. If any of the brethren or of the sick themselves sins, and I, wishing to correct him, say something with confusion, — should I then bow down to him (asking forgiveness)? And if it happens that he leaves the hospital angry with me, what should I do? And in general, for what sins should worship be done? For pride and self-justification darken the mind. And when someone bows, vanity will again find a reason for itself.

John's answer. Do not say anything with embarrassment, for evil does not bring forth good. But be patient until your thoughts calm down, and then you will speak peacefully. And if your brother obeys you, it is good; but if not, say to him, "Will you not, I will reveal this to the abba, and as he decides, so will we do," and you will be at ease. But if he goes away in anger, then tell the abba, and he will bring him to his senses, and you do not worship him (i.e., do not ask for forgiveness), for by doing so you will give him reason to think that you are really guilty before him, and he will arm himself even more against you. Ask forgiveness carefully from other people, considering the sin: as soon as you see that your sin is great, bow down; and when it is not great, say with your lips, with a feeling of heartfelt repentance: "Forgive me, brother." Beware of pride and self-justification, for they hinder repentance; However, it also happens that a person bows out of vanity. Despising these three passions, [93] where necessary, worship with humility, the fear of God, and discernment. Try to abide in these virtues according to your strength, and God will help you through the prayers of the saints.

Question 331 of the same. If, during the service to the sick, the hour of psalmody or holy proskomedia, or any other need, occurs, and the brethren who are with me know what I need to give to whom, will you command me to go, or will it be a grave fault for me? In the same way, if I want to stay in my cell when I do not need to be in the hospital, will you allow me, my father, or not?

John's answer. When the brethren know, it will not be your fault to go or stay in your cell, only visit the sick.

Question 332. If avarice troubles me while I give someone what he needs, so that I cannot give it to him, then whether to give him less than what he needs, or try to give him no less than what is proper. Likewise, if, being ashamed, as if out of man-pleasing or vanity, under the suggestion of thought, I wish to give more, then shall I, in spite of my passion, give a little less, or what is due according to the commandment?

Answer. If avarice prevents you from giving your neighbor what he needs, then consider what you have. When you have a lot of things, give a little more than you should, and when you have little, give exactly as much as you should. May God enlighten your heart, brother.

Question 333. When I see a vessel needed for a hospital, and I feel that I have an addiction to it, will I not give food to my passion by taking it?

John's answer. If you have need of a vessel and the thought of it struggles with you, then say to your thought: "I need it, but why take it on a whim?" but if it does not cease, then, when it is convenient to get by with another vessel, do not take and suppress your addiction; and if necessary, take that vessel, reproaching yourself and saying, "If necessity did not compel it, I would not take it, because I was overcome by my lust."

Question 334. A man once gave me clothes, and I took them then, as if with joy, without contradicting them in the least; but, examining myself, I found that I had taken it not out of necessity, but rather out of covetousness, and the thought said to me: "Return it." What do you command me to do?

John's answer. From the bottom of our hearts let us praise the giver and heartily blaspheme the one who received it, and let us bear it with humility, condemning ourselves, and in the future let us guard against covetousness.

Question 335 of the same. If it happens that someone wants to give me a thing that I need, but I see that my heart desires to receive it out of passion, what should I do: should I take it out of need, or refuse it because of addiction to it?

John's answer. As about food, so be it wise. You know that we need food every day, but we should not eat it with pleasure. When we receive it, thanking God, who gave it, and condemning ourselves as unworthy, then God makes it serve us for sanctification and blessing. Therefore, if you are in need of any thing and have time to receive it, thank God who helps you, and condemn yourself as unworthy, and God will turn away your addiction, for to Him all things are possible... nothing is impossible for Him (Mk. 10:27; Job 10:13). To Him be the glory forever, Amen. [94]