The Imitation of Christ · Concept
Suffering and the Cross
The book presents suffering, tribulation, and the bearing of one's cross as essential for spiritual growth, purification, and true discipleship, urging patience and perseverance in adversity as a means to imitate Christ.
The book presents suffering, tribulation, and the bearing of one's cross as essential for spiritual growth, purification, and true discipleship, urging patience and perseverance in adversity as a means to imitate Christ.
Sorrows and contradictions are portrayed as means to humility, self-knowledge, and deeper dependence on God.
Temptations and trials are presented as a necessary part of the Christian life, purifying and strengthening the soul.
Bearing the faults of others is presented as a trial and a form of suffering that leads to spiritual merit and patience.
The chapter highlights the grievous tribulations, persecutions, and self-denial endured by the saints in following Christ.
Characters
Chapters
- That he who is about to Communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence
- That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after union with Christ in the Sacrament
- XVI
- That a man should not be a curious searcher of the Sacrament, but a humble imitator of Christ, submitting his sense to holy faith
- XXI
- Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits
- Of four things which bring great peace
- Of Avoiding Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another
