There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways.
The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbor as yourself. And whatever you do not want to happen to you, do not do to another.
The teaching of these words is this: Bless those who curse you, pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what credit is it if you love those who love you? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? But you shall love those who hate you, and you will have no enemy.
Keep away from fleshly and bodily desires. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also, and you will be perfect. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him your tunic also. If someone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back—for you cannot.
Give to everyone who asks you, and do not demand it back, for the Father desires that gifts from his own bounty be given to all. Blessed is the one who gives according to the command, for that person is innocent. But woe to the one who receives. Anyone who receives because of need will be innocent, but anyone who receives without need will answer for why it was received and for what purpose. Once brought into confinement, that person will be examined concerning what was done and will not come out until the last penny has been repaid.
But concerning this it has also been said: “Let your alms sweat in your hands until you know to whom you are giving.”