Imitation of Christ Book 1 Chapter 16

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis

Book 1 -Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life

Chapter 16 Of Bearing with the Faults of Others

“If thou canst not make thine own self what thou desireth, how shalt thou be able to fashion another to thine own liking. We are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings.”

Why am I so quick to point out others faults and yet so patient with my own? I have every excuse as to why I didn’t exercise this morning.  I meant to. That counts for something, doesn’t it? Or I’m really tired and need an extra twenty minutes of sleep.

Maybe I love myself more than I love others?

Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” 

Period.

Not bear one another’s burdens if they deserve it. or bear one another’s burdens if it’s not too inconvenient.  If we are bearing another person’s burdens, we can’t also be trying to fix them.  When you get your mind off their faults and focus on how you can comfort, help, encourage and instruct them you show love.  None of us are sufficient enough or wise enough.  God has graciously given us each other to help us.

We all have trials and burdens – don’t bear them alone.  Whether you are the one who needs to reach out to a friend for help or to help, make the most of the opportunities presented to you today.