"Church father Gregory of Nyssa (approximately AD 331-396) seemed to have understood that the willingness to pursue friendship with God yields more benefit than pretending to have already attained it" (Eric Sandras, "Buck Naked Faith")."Since the goal of the virtuous way of life is the very thing we have been seeking, it is time for you, noble friend, to be known by God and to become his friend. This is true perfection: not to avoid a wicked life because like slaves we severely fear punishment, not to do good because we hope for rewards... On the contrary, disregarding all those things for which we hope and which have been reserved by promise, we regard falling from God's friendship as the only thing dreadful and we consider becoming God's friend the only thing worthy of honor and desire. This, as I have said, is the perfection of life."
Gregory of Nyssa, "The Life of Moses"
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