# God the Father — The Imitation of Christ character guide > God the Father in The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Holy Father, O beloved Father, Father **First appearance:** 0002-the-imitation-of-christ ## Snapshot The hidden Father whose face sometimes withdraws, testing whether love clings to the gift or to the giver alone. ## Who they are God the Father speaks as the voice that probes the disciple's love, warning that one who falls away at a little opposition is not yet a strong or prudent lover. The distinctive tension he names is that consolation comes and goes — sweet affection is a foretaste, not a foundation — and the true lover must embrace hard and bitter things for the Beloved's sake. His testing presence anchors the book's middle arc, teaching the soul to trust even when God hides his face. ## Relationships ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/jesus_christ) _family_ God the Father and Jesus Christ are depicted as the divine Father and Son in a relationship of perfect unity and love. ### [Dean Milman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/dean_milman) _professional_ Dean Milman references God the Father in his theological commentary, treating Him as the central subject of scholarly exposition. ### [David](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/david) _psychological_ David is portrayed as a repentant sinner and psalmist whose relationship with God exemplifies humility and devotion. ### [St. Paul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/st_paul) _psychological_ St. Paul is a chosen apostle whose writings convey God's will and serve as instruction for the faithful. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/jesus_christ) _family_ God the Father and Jesus Christ are depicted as the divine Father and Son in a relationship of perfect unity and love. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/jesus_christ) _family_ God the Father and Jesus Christ are depicted as the divine Father and Son in a relationship of perfect unity and love. ## In the story ### [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/dedication) Implied as the source of the Spirit and the one to whom the vow is made. ### [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/the-imitation-of-christ) Implied as the source of truth and the one whose kingdom is eternal. ### [Book I: Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-i-admonitions-profitable-for-the-spiritual-life) Addressed as the ultimate source of grace and the one to whom the soul turns in dependence. ### [Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and All Its Vanities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i) Implied as the object of love and service; the Trinity is mentioned in the context of humility. ### [Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) Referenced as the judge who evaluates deeds, not knowledge. ### [Of the Knowledge of Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii) Addressed as 'O God, who art the Truth,' the disciple prays for union with God in everlasting love. ### [Of Prudence in Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) Implied as the source of wisdom and the one to whom the humble soul is obedient. ### [Of the Reading of Holy Scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) God speaks to us in divers manners without respect of persons. ### [Of fleeing from vain hope and pride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) Referred to as the one to build hope in, who gives grace to the humble, and from whom every good gift comes. ### [Of the danger of too much familiarity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii) Implied as the one to whom all good women are commended and as the ultimate companion alongside His angels. ### [Of the danger of superfluity of words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) Implied as the source of inner comfort and the one to whom prayer is directed for guarding against idle time. ### [Of seeking peace of mind, and of spiritual progress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi) Referenced as the one who provides occasions for striving and helps from Heaven. ### [Of the Uses of Adversity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii) The soul is urged to rest wholly upon God and seek His witness. ### [Of Resisting Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii) Referenced as the one who orders temptations wisely and saves the humble. ### [On Avoiding Rash Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv) Implied as the sole object of desire and the one to whom we must be perfectly subject. ### [Of Works of Charity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv) God is identified as the Fountain of all good, the End, Peace, and joy of all Saints, and the one who considers what a man is able to do. ### [Of Bearing with the Faults of Others](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi) God is invoked as the one who ordains trials and to whom all matters should be committed, that His will may be done. ### [Of the exercises of a religious man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xix) Referred to as the discerner of the heart whom we must reverence and walk pure before. ### [Of the Love of Solitude and Silence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xx) God is the ultimate object of hope and the one to whom the disciple lifts up his eyes in prayer for forgiveness. ### [Of Compunction of Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxi) Implored to grant the spirit of compunction and tears of repentance. ### [On the Contemplation of Human Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxii) Implored for deliverance from necessities and for mercy until mortality is swallowed up by life. ### [Of meditation upon death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii) Implied as the Lord to whom prayers and cries are directed for a happy death. ### [XXIV Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiv) God is depicted as the strict judge who knows all, cannot be bribed, and will render righteous judgment. ### [Of the Zealous Amendment of Our Whole Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxv) Implied as the one who rewards faithfulness and to whom the disciple commits himself entirely. ### [Book II: Admonitions Concerning the Inner Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-ii-admonitions-concerning-the-inner-life) The Father is addressed as the source of grace and the one in whom the soul must place all trust. ### [Of the Inward Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as loving those who keep Christ's words and making abode with them. ### [Of Lowly Submission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) The chapter repeatedly refers to God as the protector, helper, and comforter of the humble, who defends and delivers those who trust in Him. ### [Of a Pure Mind and Simple Intention](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) God is the ultimate object of simplicity and purity; the pure heart sees His goodness in all creatures and seeks only His will. ### [Of Self-Esteem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) God is presented as the sole eternal and incomprehensible solace of the soul. ### [Of the Joy of a Good Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) Referenced as the one who looks on the heart and whose commendation alone matters, contrasting human judgment. ### [Of the lack of all comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix) Implored as the source of divine comfort and the one who turns heaviness into joy. ### [Of Gratitude for the Grace of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) Referred to as the Author of grace, the Most High God, who gives comfort and punishment alike for our profit. ### [XII: Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii) Implied as the one who wills tribulation for the soul's humility and who provides endurance through grace. ### [Book III: On Inward Consolation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-iii-on-inward-consolation) God is addressed as the source of all true consolation and the one who teaches the soul through grace. ### [Of the Inward Voice of Christ to the Faithful Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i) Referred to as the Creator, the one to whom the soul must give itself to attain true blessedness. ### [What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) Addressed as 'O Lord my God, Eternal Truth,' the one who alone can fill the soul with knowledge and kindle the heart. ### [How all the words of God are to be heard with humility, and how many consider them not](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii) Addressed in the prayer as 'O Lord my God,' the source of all good, who fills all things and leaves empty only the sinner. ### [How we must walk in truth and humility before God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) God speaks as the Truth, instructing the disciple to walk in truth and humility. ### [Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) Addressed as 'O Heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ' and 'Father of Mercies and God of all comfort'. ### [Of the Proving of the True Lover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) Speaks as 'My Son' to the disciple, instructing on the nature of true love and perseverance. ### [Of Hiding Our Grace Under the Guard of Humility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) Speaks as 'My Son' throughout the chapter, instructing the disciple on humility and the proper response to grace. ### [Of a low estimation of self in the sight of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii) The Lord to whom the Disciple speaks, who grants grace, lifts the humble, and shows loving-kindness. ### [That all things are to be referred to God, as the final end](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix) Addressed as 'My Son' and 'Supreme Good'; the source of all blessings and the final end of all things. ### [Chapter X: That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) Addressed as 'O my Lord', 'my God', 'Fountain of perpetual love', who created, recalled, and commands service. ### [Of the inward growth of patience, and of the struggle against evil desires](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii) Implied as the source of the consolations and the one who gives the heart's desire when the disciple delights in Him. ### [Of the obedience of one in lowly subjection after the example of Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii) Implied as the speaker ('My Son') who calls for submission and reminds of His sparing mercy. ### [Of meditation upon the hidden judgments of God, that we may not be lifted up because of our well-doing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv) The Lord who sends forth judgments, withdraws His hand, and sustains all holiness. ### [How we must stand and speak, in everything that we desire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv) Implied as the Lord to whom the disciple submits all desires and commits his will. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi) Implied as the source of divine promise and eternal felicity. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii) Implied as the one upon whom all care is cast and whose will is to be accepted in all things. ### [That Temporal Miseries Are to Be Borne Patiently After the Example of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xviii) Referenced as the Father whose commandment Christ fulfilled through His patient life. ### [Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly patient](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xix) The disciple acknowledges that all adversities come from the hand of God, and prays for grace to make patience possible. ### [Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of This Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xx) Addressed as the Lord and mighty God of Israel, Lover of faithful souls, from whom the disciple seeks mercy, strength, and deliverance from the mire of sin. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxi) Implied as the source of all things and the One to whom praise and glory are directed. ### [Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxii) The source of all benefits, both general and special, who gives gifts without respect of persons and whose will is to be cherished above all. ### [Of four things which bring great peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii) Addressed as 'O Lord my God' in the prayer against evil thoughts; the one who goes before and makes crooked places straight. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxv) Implied as the one who appoints all things and whose Holy Name is to be blessed. ### [Of the exaltation of a free spirit, which humble prayer more deserveth than doth frequent reading](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxvi) Addressed as 'my most merciful Lord God' and 'O my God', the narrator beseeches Him for preservation, guidance, and the gift of His Spirit. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxvii) Invoked in the prayer as 'O God' and 'O Lord', the source of grace and heavenly wisdom. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxix) Addressed as 'O dear Father' and 'Lord my God', the one who delivers and comforts. ### [Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxx) Referenced as the source of every good gift and as the Father who loved Christ, whose love is extended to the disciples. ### [Of the neglect of every creature, that the Creator may be found](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxi) The Creator who is the sole eternal good, to whom the soul must be united. ### [Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxiii) Speaker of the chapter, addressing the disciple about the instability of the heart and the need to direct intention toward Him. ### [That to him who loveth God is sweet above all things and in all things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxiv) Addressed as 'my God, my all' and praised as the source of peace and joy. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxv) Implied as the source of eternal reward and the one in whom true peace is found. ### [Of pure and entire resignation of self, for the obtaining liberty of heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxvii) Implied as the speaker of the exhortation to self-resignation and the promise of divine companionship. ### [Of a good government in external things, and of having recourse to God in dangers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxviii) Speaker of the chapter, giving instruction on inner freedom and recourse to prayer. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxix) Implied as the one to whom all causes are committed and who will dispose all things aright in due time. ### [That Man Hath No Good in Himself, and Nothing Whereof to Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xl) Addressed as the eternal, good, righteous, and holy Lord who alone can strengthen and comfort the soul. ### [Of Contempt of All Temporal Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xli) Addressed as 'Thee' in the disciple's prayer and confession. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlii) Speaker of the chapter, teaching the disciple to place peace in God rather than in men. ### [Against Vain and Worldly Knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xliii) Referred to as 'He that teacheth man knowledge' and the source of all true wisdom. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlv) Addressed as the only faithful one, the source of salvation and protection. ### [Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlvi) Addressed as 'O Lord God, O Judge, just, strong, and patient' in the disciple's closing prayer. ### [That all troubles are to be endured for the sake of eternal life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlvii) Implied as the source of the Kingdom and the one whose reward is promised. ### [Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of This Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlviii) Implored as 'My God' and 'Eternal Truth' to draw near, scatter delusions, and grant purity in prayer. ### [Of the desire after eternal life, and how great blessings are promised to those who strive.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlix) Implied as the source of the 'Supreme Goodness' and 'Supreme Grace' that grants the desire for eternal happiness. ### [How a desolate man ought to commit himself into the hands of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/l) Addressed as 'O Lord God, Holy Father' and 'O beloved Father'; the soul commits itself to His hands and accepts His correction. ### [That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal to those that are lofty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/li) Implied as the source of the promise to spread open the Scriptures and grant eternal peace. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lii) Addressed as gracious and merciful God, who bestows comfort beyond merit and accepts humble contrition. ### [Of the diverse motions of Nature and of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/liv) Grace ascribes all honor and glory to God, and seeks to be comforted in God alone. ### [Of the corruption of Nature and the efficacy of Divine Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lv) Addressed as 'O Lord my God' and 'O my God'; the narrator prays for grace and acknowledges that without God's grace he can do nothing. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvi) Referenced as the Father in whose Kingdom Christ promises to seat the faithful disciple. ### [That a man must not be too much cast down, when he falleth into some faults](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvii) Implied as the source of grace and comfort, addressed as 'my God' in the closing prayer. ### [LVIII: Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments Which Are Not to Be Inquired Into](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lviii) Referred to as the one who made all the Saints, gave them grace and glory, and whose judgments are true and righteous altogether. ### [That all hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lix) Addressed as the Lord God, Father of mercies, the one in whom all hope and trust are placed, and who ordains all things for the good of His beloved. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) Implied as the source of goodness and mercy, though not directly named. ### [That it is profitable to Communicate often](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii) Implied as the source of the gift and the One who prepared the holy feast for the poor. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) Implied as the source of blessings and the one who bestows grace through the Sacrament. ### [Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) Referred to as God Almighty, the principal Author and invisible Worker in the Sacrament. ### [An Inquiry Concerning Preparation for Communion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) Addressed as 'O Lord' and 'my God,' the Disciple appeals to Him as helper and counsellor in his necessity. ### [Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) Quoted as saying 'As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted, and live.' ### [Of the Oblation of Christ upon the Cross, and of Resignation of Self](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii) Christ offered Himself to the Father on the Cross for sins; the disciple is to offer himself to God. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix) Addressed as the recipient of the offering and prayers, asked for forgiveness and mercy. ### [That Holy Communion is not lightly to be omitted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) Implied as the source of grace and divine mercy, and as the one who freely forgives sins when the penitent humbly seeks pardon. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi) Implied in references to 'Almighty God' and the call for grace; the Disciple prays for assistance in priestly service. ### [That he who is about to Communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii) Implied as the source of grace and sanctity, to whom thanks are given for the gift of devotion. ### [That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after union with Christ in the Sacrament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii) Implied as the source of the gift of the Eucharist and the one to whom the disciple offers his heart. ### [Of the fervent desire of certain devout persons to receive the Body and Blood of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv) Implied as the one who lays up sweetness for those who fear Him, referenced in the opening quote. ### [That the grace of devotion is acquired by humility and self-denial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv) God is the giver of grace, who determines the time and manner of heavenly visitation. ### [Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii) Addressed as 'O Lord my God, my Creator and Redeemer' and praised eternally. ### [That a man should not be a curious searcher of the Sacrament, but a humble imitator of Christ, submitting his sense to holy faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xviii) God is described as eternal, incomprehensible, and of infinite power, who walks with the simple and reveals Himself to the humble. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/endnotes) Implied in references to divine attributes and actions (e.g., Psalm 94:12, 2 Corinthians 1:3). ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/god_the_father - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters