Tertullian, On the Resurrection of the Flesh 9

So let me reexamine what God built with His own hands in the image of God, what He animated with His own breath to the likeness of His own vivacity, what He placed in charge of dwelling, fruit, dominion, and all His work, what He clothed with His own sacraments and disciplines — whose purity He loves, whose chastisements He approves, whose passions He esteems for Himself. Will this not rise again, so often God's? God forbid, God forbid, that He should abandon to eternal destruction the work of His hands, the care of His intellect, the sheath of His breath, the queen of His molding, the heir of His liberality, the priest of His religion, the soldier of His testimony, the sister of His Christ! We know God is good; we learn from Christ that He is the only Best. Christ, who commanded love — after His own — for the neighbor, will Himself do what He commanded: He will love the flesh, so many ways near to Him, even if weak; but virtue is perfected in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). Even if feeble; but those who are well do not need a physician (Matt 9:12-13). Even if dishonorable; but we surround the more dishonorable with greater honor (1 Cor 12:23-24). Even if lost; but I came to save what was lost, He says (Luke 19:10). Even if sinful; but I desire the sinner's salvation, not death, He says (Ezek 33:11). Even if condemned; but I will strike and I will heal, He says (Hos 6:1). What do you reproach this flesh for, which awaits God, which hopes in God, which is honored by Him, to which He brings help? I dare say: if these things had not happened to the flesh, the kindness, the grace, the mercy, all the beneficial power of God would have been empty.