Our virtuous powers, given by God

Self-control, forbearance, mature restraint, endurance, patience and suchlike are the greatest and most virtuous powers we’ve been given by God. They oppose and resist, and help us in all those difficulties which come from our enemy, the devil.

If we exercise these powers and have them to hand, then nothing will seem difficult for us, or painful or unbearable, because we’ll recall that everything’s human and can be conquered by the virtues we have within us.

People who are spiritually senseless don’t think of that. Because they never even think that everything turns out well and as it should and in our interest, so that, in the end, the virtues can shine and we can be crowned by God…

» Saint Anthony the Great