Still in the first section at the scene of the interview with the elder at the monastery we have that character's remarks on love. I quote here:
"...,for active love is a harsh and fearful thing compared with love in dreams. Love in dreams thirsts for immediate action, quickly performed, and with everyone watching. Indeed, it will go as far as the giving even of one's life, provided it does not take long but is soon over, as on stage, and everyone is looking on and praising. Whereas active love is labor and perseverance, and for some people, perhaps, a whole science. But I predict that even in that very moment when you see with horror that despite all your efforts, you not only have not come nearer your goal but seem to have gotten farther from it, at that very moment--I predict this to you--you will suddenly reach your goal and will clearly behold the wonder-working power of the Lord, who all the while has been loving you, and all the while has been mysteriously guiding you."
This kind of describes the sanctification process in the Christian. The more you become aware of your sin and deal with it the more you realize how much of a sinner you really are and how much you depend upon the power of Christ to free you from sin. And the more you rely on Christ, the more you can turn away from sin, but in utter dependence on our Lord. Doing good sometimes is just building up the habit of making the small decisions towards what it right and doing small good deeds to others without regard to reward or praise.
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