“When we sin we are more vexed at the lowering of our self-esteem than we are grieved at God’s dishonor.  We are surprised and irritated at our own lack of self-control in subjecting ourselves to unworthy habits….The first cause of this is self-love, which is unable to stand the disappointment of not seeing ourselves in time of trial come out beautiful, erect, and admirable.”

Frederick W. Faber