To grow in the life of the Spirit, we have to remove the masks and empty ourselves of the false self, so that we can fully embrace the authentic self seen, called by name and loved by God. We may find that in some cases we have sought our own way before the good of others. We may find that we constantly feel the need to defend ourselves, even if we are unjustly accused by the attacks and remarks of others. But this is not following the path of self-emptying. In Romans 12:14 we read: "Bless your persecutors; bless and do not curse them." In this Paul was reflecting the teachings of Jesus in these situations: "Offer no resistance to injury. When a person strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other....Love your enemies, pray for your persecutors" (Mt 5: 39,44).