Fathers

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What the Fathers say

James 1:14

Eastern Fathers

Desert Fathers

A brother asked some of the monks whether evil thoughts defiled a man. When they were asked this question, some said, 'Yes,' but some said, 'No, for if that were so, we ordinary people could not be saved. If we think of vile actions but do not do them, it is this which brings salvation.' The questioner was discontented with the monks' diverse answers, and he went to an experienced hermit and asked him about it. …

The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Against this fault medicinal aid is sought from him who can heal all illnesses of this sort, not by separating an alien nature from us but by healing our own nature.

On Continence 7 ↗

Bede

But each one is tempted by his own desire, being drawn away and enticed, etc. Drawn away from the right path and enticed into evil. On this verse, Jerome, against Jovinian, says: "Just as in good works God is the perfecter, for it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God who shows mercy and helps, so that we may be able to reach the goal, so in evils and sins, our seeds are the incentives, but the perfection is of the devil. …

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗

Bonaventure

Actual sin draws its origin from the free will of each person through suggestion, delight, consent, and action, according to that passage in James: Each one is tempted, being drawn away and enticed by his own concupiscence. If, however, suggestion and delight stop short of consent, it is a venial sin. But if consent and action follow in those things which are prohibited by divine law, the sin is a consummated mortal sin. …

Breviloquium, Part 3, Chapter 8 ↗