The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of Bearing with the Faults of Others explained
This chapter counsels patience in bearing the faults of others, recognizing that such trials are ordained by God for our growth in virtue.
What happens
This chapter counsels patience in bearing the faults of others, recognizing that such trials are ordained by God for our growth in virtue. It admonishes against striving with the obstinate, urging instead to commit all to God. It reminds the reader that no one is without defect, and that mutual forbearance, comfort, and admonition are necessary, as adversity reveals true character.
Themes in this chapter
Humility and Self-Denial
The chapter emphasizes recognizing one's own faults and the need to bear with others, a key aspect of humility and self-denial.
Suffering and the Cross
Bearing the faults of others is presented as a trial and a form of suffering that leads to spiritual merit and patience.
Characters to notice
- The Disciple
The narrator speaks directly to the reader, offering counsel on patience and mutual forbearance.
- God the Father
God is invoked as the one who ordains trials and to whom all matters should be committed, that His will may be done.
Key passages
“Those things which a man cannot amend in himself or in others, he ought patiently to bear, until God shall otherwise ordain.”
What you cannot fix in yourself or others, you must endure patiently until God changes things.
This sets the core theme of patient acceptance of imperfections.
“If one who is once or twice admonished refuse to hearken, strive not with him, but commit all to God, that His will may be done and His honour be shown in His servants, for He knoweth well how to convert the evil unto good.”
If someone ignores repeated correction, do not argue with them; instead, entrust the matter to God, who can turn evil to good for His glory.
Advises against contentiousness and reliance on divine providence.
“If all men were perfect, what then should we have to suffer from others for God?”
If everyone were perfect, there would be no opportunity to suffer for God through others' faults.
Highlights the redemptive value of enduring others' imperfections.