How seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the disparity between the desire for the joys of faith and the willingness to endure its sacrifices.
Thomas A Kempis emphasizes that while many people are drawn to the benefits of the Christian faith, such as the joy of belonging to God's kingdom and witnessing miracles, very few are willing to endure the hardships and sacrifices that accompany true discipleship. It challenges individuals to reflect on their commitment, suggesting that authentic faith requires bearing burdens and enduring suffering, rather than simply seeking comfort and admiration.
Themes
FaithSufferingSacrificeDiscipleshipCommitmentCourage
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the challenges of faith, this quote can be used to remind the congregation that true commitment often requires sacrifice.
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
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
For nothing, how little soever, that is suffered for God's sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.
Thomas A KempisRead
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