Character Quote by John Behr
““The passions, moreover, become good in those who are spiritually earnest once they have wisely separated them from corporeal objects and used them to gain possession of heavenly things. For instance, they can turn desire (ἐπιθυμία) into the appetitive movement of the mind’s longing for divine things, or pleasure (ἡδονή) into the unadulterated joy of the mind when enticed toward divine gifts, or fear (φόβος) into cautious concern for imminent punishment for sins committed, or grief (λύπη) into corrective repentance of a present evil. In short, we can compare this with the wise physicians who remove the existing or festering infection of the body using the poisonous beast, the viper. [49] The spiritually earnest use the passions to destroy a present or anticipated evil, and to embrace and hold to virtue and knowledge.4 Thus, as I have already suggested, the passions become good when they are used by those who take every thought captive in order to obey Christ (2 Cor 10:5).5””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Spirit of the Church by John Behr, 2015
Passions can be transformed into virtuous forces when directed toward divine goals, similar to using a poison to cure illness.
In simple terms: Passions become good when used for spiritual good.
Key Takeaway
Redirect emotions toward higher purpose.
Themes
spirituality
ethics
transformation
virtue
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- ethical decision making
- spiritual counseling
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify which passions need redirection?
- What practices help sustain spiritual earnestness?
A Different Perspective
Such transformation may be difficult without deep self‑knowledge and discipline.
![“Q. [69] If, as St John says, he who is born of God does not sin, because his seed dwells in God, and he cannot sin (1 Jn 3:9), and yet he who is born of water and Spirit is himself born of God (cf Jn 3:5–6), then how are we who are born of God through baptism still able to sin? R. The manner of…” quote by John Behr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec2/john-behr-64123_baptism_q-69-if-as-st-john-says-he-who-is-born-o_2845101.jpg)
