Fighting The Vices

Nobis autem per gratiam innovatis divina quid imperet bonitas, audiamus. 'Ego autem dico vobis.' Quibus? Utique Christianis, 'Non resistere malo.' Sic cum dicit, vult nos vitia non repensare vitiis, sed superare virtutibus, et in ipsos scintillis adhuc exstinguere iram, quae si pervenerit ad totum furoris incendium, sine sanguine non sedatur. Ira vincitur lenitate, mansuetudine exstinguitur furor, malitia bonitate palpatue, crudelitas pietate prosternitur, impatientia patientia punitur, contentio superatur blanditiis, superbiam humilitas sternit. Ergo fratres, qui vult vitia vincere, pietatis arma teneat, non furoris. Sanctus Petrus Chrysologus, Sermo XXXVIII  Source: Migne PL 52.307b-c

Let us hear what the Divine Goodness commands us who have been renewed through grace. 'But I say to you.' To whom? Obviously to the Christians. 'Not to resist the evil man.' 1 When he speaks so, He wants us not to repay vices with vices but to overcome with virtues, and by them to smother anger when it is but a spark, for if it comes to the full fire of fury, it is not restrained without blood being spilled. Anger is conquered with gentleness, by meekness fury is extinguished, malice is soothed by kindness, cruelty is prostrated by piety, impatience is disciplined by patience, contention is overcome by soft words, pride is laid low by humility. Therefore, brothers, he who wishes to gain victory over the vices should lay hold of the arms of piety, not rage. Saint Peter Chrysologus, from Sermon 38 1 Mt 5.39