Of the Fewness of those who Love the Cross of Je
The text explores the disparity between those who profess love for Jesus and those who genuinely embrace the sacrifices associated with that love. It highlights that many are drawn to the comforts of faith, seeking blessings and miracles, yet few are willing to endure suffering or bear the burdens of the Cross. The author emphasizes that true love for Jesus is not contingent upon personal gain or consolation; rather, it is a selfless devotion that persists even in adversity. The work critiques the tendency of believers to falter in their faith when faced with trials, contrasting this with the steadfastness of those who love Jesus for His own sake. It posits that genuine love is characterized by a willingness to serve without expectation of reward, challenging readers to examine their motivations and the purity of their devotion. The text further asserts that true spiritual richness comes from a complete detachment from self-interest and material possessions. It calls for a radical self-denial, urging individuals to recognize their own unworthiness and to adopt a humble stance before God. The author suggests that only by relinquishing all attachments and self-love can one attain true freedom and strength in spirit. Ultimately, the work serves as a profound reflection on the nature of love, sacrifice, and the path to spiritual fulfillment, urging believers to aspire to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus that transcends mere desire for comfort or reward.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Philosophy · 578 words
First lines
Jesus hath many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His Cross. He hath many seekers of comfort, but few of tribulation. He findeth many companions of His table, but few of His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to undergo anything for His sake. Many follow Jesus that they may eat of His loaves, but few that they may drink of the cup of His passion. Many are astonished at His miracles, few follow after the shame of His Cross. Many love Jesus so long as no adversities happen to them. Many praise Him and bless Him, so long as they receive any comforts from Him. But if Jesus hide Himself and withdraw from them a little while, they fall either into complaining or into too great dejection of mind.
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Fewness of those who Love the Cross of Jesus is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1654 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Philosophy, Devotional, Theology
- Length: 578 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Of the Fewness of those who Love the Cross of Jesus by Thomas à Kempis
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Similar titles
- That A Man Should Not Be A Curious Searcher Of The Sacrament But A Humble Imitator Of Christ Submitting His Sense To Holy Faith by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Zealous Amendment Of Our Whole Life by Thomas A. Kempis
- That We Must Give Ourselves To Humble Works When We Are Unequal To Those That Are Lofty by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Lack Of All Comfort by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Fervent Love And Vehement Desire Of Receiving Christ by Thomas A. Kempis
- How We Must Stand And Speak In Everything That We Desire by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Religious Literature — The book focuses on the themes of love for Jesus, sacrifice, and spiritual devotion, central to religious literature.
- Spirituality — It explores deep spiritual concepts such as self-denial, true love for God, and the nature of true devotion.
- Philosophy — The text presents philosophical reflections on selflessness, the nature of true wealth, and the essence of love.
- Devotional — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on one's relationship with Jesus.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditations · Devotional · Theology · Faith · Love · Cross · Jesus · Bible · Religion · Philosophy
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis