The first [kind of fear of God] is generated in us by the threat of punishment. It is through such fear that we develop in due order self-control, patience, hope in God and dispassion; and it is from dispassion that love comes. The second kind of fear is linked with love itself and constantly produces reverence in the soul, so that is does not grow indifferent to God because of the intimate communion of its love.
+St. Maximus the Confessor, from Four Centuries on Love, first century, # 81
No comments:
Post a Comment