OF BEARING WITH THE FAULTS OF OTHERS
“Those things which a man cannot amend in himself or in others, he ought patiently to bear, until God shall otherwise ordain. Bethink you that perhaps it is better for your trial and patience, without which our merits are but little worth. Nevertheless, you ought, when you find such impediments, to beseech God that He would vouchsafe to sustain you, that you be able to bear them with a good will.
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 knows well how to convert the evil unto good. Endeavour to be patient in bearing with other men’s faults and infirmities whatsoever they be, for you yourself also have many things which have need to be borne with by others.
If you cannot make your own self what you desire, how shall you be able to fashion another to your own liking. We are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings. We will, that others be straitly corrected, but we will not be corrected ourselves.
The freedom of others displeases us, but we are dissatisfied that our own wishes shall be denied us. We desire rules to be made restraining others, but by no means will we suffer ourselves to be restrained. Thus, therefore does it plainly appear how seldom we weigh our neighbour in the same balance with ourselves. If all men were perfect, what then should we have to suffer from others for God?
But now have God thus ordained, that we may learn to bear one another’s burdens, because none is without defect, none without a burden, none sufficient of himself, none wise enough of himself; but it behoves us to bear with one another, to comfort one another, to help, instruct, admonish one another. How much strength each man have, is best proved by occasions of adversity: for such occasions do not make a man frail, but show of what temper he is.
OF A RELIGIOUS LIFE
It behoves you to learn to mortify yourself in many things, if you will live in amity and concord with other men. It is no small thing to dwell in a religious community or congregation, and to live there without complaint, and therein to remain faithful even unto death. Blessed is he who have lived a good life in such a body, and brought it to a happy end. If you will stand fast and will profit as you ought, hold yourself as an exile and a pilgrim upon the earth.
You will have to be counted as a fool for Christ, if you will lead a religious life. The clothing and outward appearance are of small account; it is change of character and entire mortification of the affections which make a truly religious man. He who seeks aught save God and the health of his soul, shall find only tribulation and sorrow. Nor can he stand long in peace, who strives not to be least of all and servant of all.
You are called to endure and to labour, not to a life of ease and trifling talk. Here therefore, are men tried as gold in the furnace. No man can stand, unless with all his heart he will humble himself for God’s sake.”
Thomas a Kempis
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 