Of the Intimate Love of Jesus
The work emphasizes the profound relationship between the individual and Jesus, portraying Him as the ultimate source of comfort, joy, and fulfillment. It asserts that the presence of Jesus transforms all experiences, making challenges seem manageable and life meaningful. In His absence, the world feels desolate and devoid of value. The text highlights the importance of prioritizing Jesus above all worldly attachments, suggesting that true wealth lies in a close relationship with Him. The narrative encourages humility, peace, and godliness as essential qualities for maintaining this relationship. It warns against distractions from worldly desires that can lead to losing Jesus' favor. The text posits that without Jesus, one is left friendless and desolate, emphasizing the futility of seeking joy in anything other than Him. The work advocates for a love of Jesus that surpasses all other affections, urging readers to love others for His sake while reserving a special love for Him alone. The text also discusses the necessity of purity and freedom from worldly entanglements to fully experience God's grace. It suggests that a clean heart is essential for recognizing God's goodness. The work acknowledges the role of divine grace in empowering individuals to achieve spiritual union with God, asserting that without it, one remains weak and troubled. Furthermore, it encourages resilience in the face of adversity, promoting a calm acceptance of God's will. The cyclical nature of life is highlighted, with the assurance that after hardship comes relief and joy. The overall message is one of devotion, urging readers to cultivate a deep, unwavering love for Jesus as the foundation of their spiritual lives.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Religious, Spirituality, Theology · 687 words
First lines
When Jesus is present all is well and nothing seemeth hard, but when Jesus is not present everything is hard. When Jesus speaketh not within, our comfort is nothing worth, but if Jesus speaketh but a single word great is the comfort we experience. Did not Mary Magdalene rise up quickly from the place where she wept when Martha said to her, "The Master is come and calleth for thee"? 28 Happy hour when Jesus calleth thee from tears to the joy of the spirit! How dry and hard art thou without Jesus! How senseless and vain if thou desirest aught beyond Jesus! Is not this greater loss than if thou shouldst lose the whole world?
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Of the Intimate Love 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, Spirituality, Theology, Devotional, Philosophy
- Length: 687 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Religious — The book focuses on the intimate relationship between the believer and Jesus, emphasizing spiritual themes and devotion.
- Spirituality — It explores personal spiritual growth and the importance of maintaining a connection with Jesus for inner peace.
- Theology — The text delves into theological concepts regarding the nature of Jesus and the implications of His presence in a believer's life.
- Devotional — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on one's relationship with Jesus.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditations · Devotional · Philosophy · Theology · Faith · Love · Jesus Christ · Bible Studies · Religion · Spiritual Growth
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