John Chrysostom

For even though the soil which we cultivate bring forth no fruit, if we have shown all industry, the Lord of it and of us will not suffer us to depart with disappointed hopes, but will give us a recompense; for, says St. Paul, "Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor," not according to the event of things. …

Homily on the Gospel of John 13 ↗

Augustine of Hippo

If he does this, he goes out from there, not by physical withdrawal but defended by his behavior; he has done what he had to do, even if the other person did not heed the warning he should have heeded.

Sermon 88:23 ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

For then your subject dies without you, when in the cause of death he has endured you as one who does not speak against it. For you are joined to the death which you do not oppose. And it should be noted what things ought to be preached by the watchman, namely faith and works. For he says: "But if you have announced to the wicked man, and he has not been converted from his wickedness and from his wicked way." For wickedness pertains to unbelief, but the wicked way pertains to depraved action. …

Homilies on Ezekiel, Book 1, Homily 11 ↗