Of Bearing Injuries, and who Shall be Approved a

Name: Of Bearing Injuries, and who Shall be Approved as Truly Patient
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of patience in the face of suffering and adversity. It begins by urging the reader to stop complaining about their own trials and to reflect on the greater sufferings endured by others, particularly saints. The text asserts that one's own suffering, regardless of its magnitude, should be borne with patience, as this is a virtue that merits reward. The author argues that true patience is not selective; it does not depend on the identity of the person causing the suffering or the nature of the offense. Instead, a truly patient individual accepts adversity from any source, recognizing it as a divine test and an opportunity for spiritual growth. The text critiques the notion that one can choose to suffer only from certain individuals or circumstances, emphasizing that such a mindset undermines the essence of patience. The work encourages readiness for struggle, positing that victory in patience requires effort and perseverance. It highlights that without striving, one cannot attain the rewards of patience, and that suffering is integral to achieving spiritual fulfillment. The author calls for divine assistance to endure trials, acknowledging human limitations in bearing adversity. Ultimately, the text presents suffering for a higher purpose as beneficial for the soul, framing it as a path to spiritual health and strength.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1441 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Philosophical, Religious · 531 words

First lines

"What sayest thou, My Son? Cease to complain; consider My suffering and that of My saints. ‘Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood. '66 It is little which thou sufferest in comparison with those who have suffered so many things, have been so strongly tempted, so grievously troubled, so manywise proved and tried. Thou oughtest therefore to call to mind the more grievous sufferings of others that thou mightest bear thy lesser ones more easily, and if they seem not to thee little, see that it is not thy impatience which is the cause of this. But whether they be little or whether they be great, study to bear them all with patience.

What this Textopian page supports

Of Bearing Injuries, and who Shall be Approved as Truly Patient is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1441 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1441 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Philosophical, Religious, Self-Help, Meditative
Length: 531 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on themes of suffering, patience, and spiritual growth, characteristic of spiritual literature.
Philosophical — It explores the nature of patience and the human condition, engaging with philosophical ideas about suffering and virtue.
Religious — The work reflects Christian teachings and emphasizes the importance of enduring trials for spiritual reward.
Self-Help — It provides guidance on how to cope with adversity and develop patience, akin to self-help literature.