St.Paisios the Athonite

I think that passions are the powers of the soul. God gives man not vices, but strength. But if we do not use these forces for good, then a demon comes, begins to direct them himself, and they become passions, and then we murmur and blame God. But if we use these forces correctly, directing them against evil, they will help us in our spiritual struggle.
For example, anger. If it is in a person, it means that the soul has courage, and it is useful in spiritual life. He who does not have anger does not have courage, it is not easy for him to cope with himself. A person who is angry when he uses the power he possesses for spiritual benefit is like an expensive car driving on a good road - you turn on the speed and no one can catch up with you. And if he uses this power incorrectly and does not control himself, then he looks like a car that flies at high speed along a bumpy road and now and then falls into holes.
A person must know the forces that he has and direct them for good. So, with the help of God, he will come to a good spiritual disposition. For example, let him direct his egoism against the devil and not give up when he tempts him. Let the penchant for empty chatter sanctify by practicing prayer. Isn't it better to associate with Christ and be sanctified than to talk and sin? Depending on how a person uses the forces of his soul, he will either become better or worse.
St. Paisios the Athonite