Of Gratitude for the Grace of God

Name: Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the importance of labor and patience over the pursuit of comfort and joy. It asserts that spiritual delights surpass worldly pleasures, yet these divine comforts are not always accessible due to the constant presence of temptation. The text distinguishes between true divine visitation and false self-confidence, highlighting the necessity of gratitude towards God for His grace. It warns against pride and emphasizes humility, stating that grace is bestowed upon the grateful and withheld from the proud. The author expresses a desire for grace that fosters humility and self-renunciation, acknowledging that true wisdom comes from recognizing one's own neediness. The work encourages giving thanks to God for His gifts while confessing personal faults, advocating for a humble disposition. It suggests that those who are truly great in the eyes of God are the most humble, and that true glory comes from God rather than from human recognition. Gratitude for even the smallest blessings is encouraged, as it opens the door to greater gifts. The text asserts that the significance of a gift is determined by the majesty of the Giver, and thus, even punishment should be met with thankfulness, as it serves a greater purpose for one's benefit. The work concludes with a call for vigilance and humility in maintaining God's favor, urging the reader to remain thankful and patient in both blessings and trials.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1441 · Genre: Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy · 721 words

First lines

Why seekest thou rest when thou art born to labour? Prepare thyself for patience more than for comforts, and for bearing the cross more than for joy. For who among the men of this world would not gladly receive consolation and spiritual joy if he might always have it? For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and all the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either empty or unclean, whilst spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honourable, the offspring of virtue, and poured forth by God into pure minds. But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts at his own will, because the season of temptation ceaseth not for long.

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Of Gratitude for the Grace of God 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: Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy, Devotional Literature, Christian Literature
Length: 721 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Spirituality — The text focuses on the relationship between gratitude and divine grace, emphasizing spiritual growth and humility.
Theology — It explores theological concepts such as grace, humility, and the nature of divine gifts.
Philosophy — The work presents philosophical reflections on the nature of comfort, virtue, and the human condition.
Devotional Literature — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on one's relationship with God.