Whatever we do or say without prayer always ends up either sinful or harmful and convicts us through the deeds in some mysterious way.

When the mind forgets the purpose of Christian life, then even the clear fulfillment of virtue becomes profitless.

In the spiritual life we can do nothing worthy without repentance, but the Lord has much mercy on us because of our intentions. He who compels himself and holds on to repentance until the end, even if he sins is saved because he compelled himself, for the Lord promised this in the Gospel.

One who has sinned cannot escape retribution in any other way than by repentance corresponding to his sin.

God values deeds according to their intentions. For it is said, "The Lord grant unto you according to your heart" (Ps. 19:5) ... Therefore, whoever wants to do something but can't is considered as having done it by God, who sees the intentions of our hearts. This applies to both good and evil deeds alike.

If you want the Lord to hide your sins, then don't talk to people about what kind of virtues you have. For as we relate to our virtues, so God relates to our sins.

The sign of sincere love is to forgive wrongs done to us. It was with such love that the Lord loved the world.