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

One evil receives strength from another. In the same way, good deeds also sprout one from another, and the one in whom they are found grows larger.

A man who is enticed by sinful thoughts is blinded by them, and he sees the action of sin in himself, but he can not see the cause of this action.

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

Whoever has a spiritual gift and compassionate toward one who does not have it guards his gift through his compassion. But whoever is proud of his gift loses it through self-opinion.

God tested Abraham. That is, he sent him afflictions for his benefit, not so that he could find out what sort of man he was, for God knows everything, but so that He give him the means to perfect his faith.

Every affliction tests our will, showing whether it is inclined to good or evil. That is why an unforeseen affliction is called a test, because it enables a man to test his hidden desires.