HIDUP SPIRITUAL

BEBERAPA KUTIPAN DARI THOMAS A KEMPIS

Without love, the outward work is of no value; but whatever is done out of love, be it never so little, is wholly fruitful. For God regards the greatness of the love that prompts a man, rather than the greatness of his achievement.

Never study in order to appear more wise and learned; study rather to overcome your besetting sins, for this will profit you more than will the grasp of intricate problem.
He whom Christ teaches will swiftly gain wisdom and advance far in the life of the spirit.
But those who seek curious knowledge from men, and care nothing for His service,
will discover only sorrow.

God enables the humble-minded to understand more of the ways of the everlasting Truth in a single moment than ten years in the School.

It is better to turn away from controversial matters, and leave everyone to hold their own opinion, than to belabour (dwell on) them with quarrelsome arguments.

True peace dwells only in the heart of the humble: but the heart of the proud is ever full of pride and jealously.

A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the highest and most valuable of all lessons. To take no account of oneself, but always to think well and highly of others is the highest wisdom and perfection.

It is vanity to wish for long life, if you care little for a good life.

Let My will be your guide. I know what is best for you. Your mind is but human, and your judgement often influenced by personal consideration.

How can any creature help you, if your Creator abandon you?

I will hear what the Lord God speaks within me. (Ps. Lxxxv,8). Blessed is the soul that hears the Lord speaking within it, (1Sam 3:9), and receives comfort from His Word. Blessed are the ears that hear the still, small voice of God (1 King 19:12), and disregard the whispers of the world. Blessed are the ears that listen to Truth teaching inwardly, and not to the voices of the world. Blessed are the eyes that are closed to outward things, but are open to inward things. Blessed are those who enter deeply into inner things, and daily prepare themselves to receive the secrets of heaven. Blessed are those who strive to devote themselves wholly to God, and free themselves from all the entanglements of the world.

Write My word in your heart, and meditate on them earnestly; they will aid you in temptation….I visit My chosen in two ways; with trial and with consolation. Day by day, I teach them two lessons, one in which I correct their faults, and the other in which I encourage them to progress in virtue.

A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover, as the love of the giver. He esteems the affection above the gift, and values every gift far below the Beloved. A noble lover is not content with a gift, but desires Myself above all gifts.

On the Good and Peaceful Man:
Firstly, be peaceful yourself, and you will be able to bring peace to others. A man of peace does more good than a very learned man.

When I grant comfort, it remains Mine, and when I withdraw it, I am not taking anything that is yours, for every good gift and every perfect gift is Mine alone (James 1:17).

There is a great difference between the wisdom of a devout man enlightened by God, and the knowledge of a learned and studious scholar. More noble by far is the learning infused from above by divine grace, than that painfully acquired by the industry of man.

A man’s achievements are often discussed, but seldom the principles by which he lives. We inquire whether he is brave, handsome, rich, clever, a good writer, a fine singer, or a hard worker: but whether he is humble-minded, patient and gentle, devout and spiritual is seldom mentioned. Nature regards the outward characteristics of man: Grace considers his inner disposition. And while Nature is often misled, Grace trusts in God and cannot be deceived.

Those who are obsessed by self-interest and self-love are slaves of their own desires (2 Tim 3:2); they are greedy, inquisitive, and discontented.

The Imitation of Christ (New York: Dorset Press, 1986)