THEOSISMacarius the Egyptian
When the mind overlooks spiritual anguish and godly remorse, it also loses sight of the commandments. Thus, in its attempt to progress, it strays from the righteous path and wanders into treacherous ways; as a result, it encounters fierce adversaries. Had we not disrupted this effort of prayer and faith, we would have remained steadfast. For Scripture states regarding those who grieve for their souls, ‘God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able’ (1 Corinthians 10:13); ‘and those who refuse discipline will be brought low by the wicked’ (Deuteronomy 31:29).