Just as the thought of fire does not warm the body, so faith without love does not actualize the light of spiritual knowledge in the soul.
Maximus the ConfessorUnclean spirits increase the passions in us, making use of our negligence, and inciting them. But the angels decrease our passions, inciting us to the perfection of virtue.
Maximus the ConfessorDispassion and humility lead to spiritual knowledge. Without them no one will see the Lord.
Maximus the ConfessorInasmuch as you pray with all your soul for the one who has slandered you, so much will God reveal the truth to them who have believed the slander.
Maximus the ConfessorTrials are sent to some so as to take away past sins, to others so as to eradicate sins now being committed, and to yet others so as to forestall sins which may be committed in the future. These are distinct from the trials that arise in order to test men in the way that Job was tested.
Maximus the Confessor