You can refrain from sinning out of fear. It is an inferior step, but good in its own way. Or out of love: the way saints and people of superior character do. But also out of shame. A terrible shame, like one at having done unseemly things in front of a delicate person, at having cast an ugly word at an old woman, at having cheated someone who trusts you. After you have known Christ, it becomes hard to sin; you are terribly ashamed.

— The Journal of Joy by Nicolae Steinhardt (Page 24)