That Temporal Miseries are to be Borne Patiently
The work emphasizes the importance of patience in the face of life's temporal sufferings, drawing on the example of Christ's own experiences. It begins with a reflection on Christ's incarnation and His voluntary acceptance of human suffering, highlighting that His trials were not due to necessity but motivated by love. This serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to endure their own hardships without complaint. The text acknowledges the burdens of life, including lack, reproach, and ingratitude, which Christ faced throughout His life. It asserts that these experiences are part of the human condition and that enduring them patiently is a path to salvation. The author contrasts the current state of grace with the Old Testament, where the way to heaven was less clear and access to divine mercy was limited. The work expresses gratitude for the revelation of the path to eternal life through Christ's teachings and sacrifices. It emphasizes that Christ's example provides guidance and motivation for believers to persevere in their faith. The text encourages reflection on one's own spiritual journey, recognizing the need for patience and the strength derived from Christ's example. Ultimately, the work serves as a spiritual exhortation, urging readers to embrace their struggles as opportunities for growth and merit, while remaining steadfast in their pursuit of holiness and eternal life. It reinforces the idea that through patience and faith, believers can navigate the challenges of life, drawing closer to God and the promise of salvation.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1494 · Genre: Theological Literature, Spiritual Reflection, Devotional Writing · 414 words
First lines
"My Son! I came down from heaven for thy salvation; I took upon Me thy miseries not of necessity, but drawn by love that thou mightest learn patience and mightest bear temporal miseries without murmuring. For from the hour of My birth, until My death upon the Cross, I ceased not from bearing of sorrow; I had much lack of temporal things; I oftentimes heard many reproaches against Myself; I gently bore contradictions and hard words; I received ingratitude for benefits, blasphemies for My miracles, rebukes for My doctrine."
What this Textopian page supports
That Temporal Miseries are to be Borne Patiently after the Example of Christ is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1494 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1494 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Theological Literature, Spiritual Reflection, Devotional Writing, Philosophical Literature, Religious Instruction
- Length: 414 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Of Contempt Of All Temporal Honour by Thomas A. Kempis
- That It Is Profitable To Communicate Often by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Inward Growth Of Patience And Of The Struggle Against Evil Desires by Thomas A. Kempis
- Against The Tongues Of Detractors by Thomas A. Kempis
- How We Must Stand And Speak In Everything That We Desire by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of The Lack Of All Comfort by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Theological Literature — The work focuses on the relationship between human suffering and divine example, emphasizing Christian teachings and virtues.
- Spiritual Reflection — It encourages personal contemplation on patience and the burdens of life through a spiritual lens.
- Devotional Writing — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on Christ's example.
- Philosophical Literature — It explores themes of suffering, patience, and the human condition in relation to divine will.
Tags
Christianity · Patience · Meditations · Spirituality · Devotional · Theology · Philosophy · Religion · Faith · Perseverance · Suffering · Resilience
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