The man seized by spiritual joy is astounded by the many blessings that God in his grace has bestowed on him, and he loves his Benefactor. But he who stubbornly indulges in luxury and splendor, like the rich man (Luke 16:19), thinks that those consumed by fear and facing trials and temptations suffer in this way because of their sins, and in his comfort and complacency he despises them. He imagines that he deserves his easy life, although in fact he does not deserve it at all; for, blinded by his inane love for the ephemeral, he has made himself unworthy of the life held in store.
~St Peter of Damaskos
Prayerful Life 