The Golden Saying Of Epictetus, III

Try to enjoy the great festival of life with other men. - Epictetus

"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
Mat. 18:15

9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Mat. 5:9-12

What Epictetus is suggesting we do is a bit different from how the bible might handle it. But Epictetus approaches it with common sense. He is not saying that we attempt to avoid confrontations with enemies completely because that contradicts one of the stoics primary beliefs, which is that only you have control over yourself and nobody else. Epictetus, is not guaranteeing any blessing but only suggests that you become arbitrator, and with addition of the rest of his philosophy that we live with what was dealt with. Luckily, the Bible tells us in case we are persecuted for our beliefs we may take on the title of peacemaker, and be blessed by that.

You were so close, Epictetus; but no cigar.