I do not think I have given insignificant counsel about self-control. Whoever follows it will not regret it, but will save both themselves and me, the one who gave the counsel. For it is no small reward to turn a wandering and perishing soul toward salvation.
For this is the return we can make to God who created us: that the one who speaks and the one who listens should speak and listen with faith and love.
Therefore let us remain righteous and holy in what we have believed, so that we may ask God with confidence. He says, “While you are still speaking, I will say, ‘Look, I am here.’”
For this saying is a sign of a great promise: the Lord says that He is more ready to give than the one asking is to ask.
Since we share in such great kindness, let us not deprive ourselves of obtaining such great blessings. For as much joy as these words bring to those who obey them, so much condemnation they bring to those who disobey.