How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
Thomas A KempisRead
Christ willed to suffer and be despised and do you dare complain of the same? Christ had adversaries and backbiters; and do you wish to have all men your friends and benefactors? When shall your patience attain her crown if no adversity befalls you? If you are willing to suffer naught that is against you, how will you be the friend of Christ?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the virtue of patience and suffering, emphasizing that hardship is a part of the human experience and essential for spiritual growth.
In this quote, Thomas A Kempis emphasizes the idea that suffering and adversity are integral to the human experience, particularly for those who wish to follow a spiritual path like that of Christ. He challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to endure difficulties and questions our desire for an easy life, highlighting that true friendship with Christ entails embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. Through this lens, he suggests that patience and resilience in the face of adversity lead to spiritual maturity and fulfillment.
Themes
SufferingPatienceAdversityFriendshipSpiritual Growth
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon about the importance of suffering in life, one could use this quote.
More from Thomas A Kempis
All quotes →He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
Thomas A KempisRead
Trust not to your feelings for whatever they might be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing.
Thomas A KempisRead
Jesus has many who love the kingdom of God, but few who bear a cross. He has many who desire His comfort, but few who desire His suffering. All want to rejoice with him, but few are willing to suffer for Him. He writes; there are many who admire his miracles, but there are few who follow in the humiliation of the cross.
Thomas A KempisRead
Anyone who thinks hard work will never hurt you has never had to pay to have it done. Jesus now has many lovers of his Heavenly Kingdom, but few bearers of his cross.
Thomas A KempisRead
He has great tranquillity of heart who cares neither for the praises nor the fault-finding of men. He will easily be content and pacified, whose conscience is pure. You are not holier if you are praised, nor the more worthless if you are found fault with. What you are, that you are; neither by word can you be made greater than what you are in the sight of God.
Thomas A KempisRead
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