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What makes you do good things? Is it a choice you make, or something God forces you to do? St. Maximos the Confessor answers:
There are three things that move us to the good: natural tendencies, the holy Powers, good choice. The natural tendencies—as, for instance, when what we wish men would do for us, we likewise do for them; or, when we see someone in sore straits, we then naturally have pity. The holy Powers—as when moved to some fine deed, we experience their good assistance and prosper. Good choice—when, for example, discerning good from evil, we choose the good.
So remember: every good thing you do involves cooperation between yourself, God, and others.
