True Christianity by Stephen Hill

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,

so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:3, NASB

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis exposes the true grit of Christianity as few other works have. Take heart as you consider this encouraging discourse about the burden of tribulation and the confidence of divine comfort.


Christ’s whole life was a cross and martyrdom—yet do you seek rest and joy for yourself? You are deceived if you seek any other thing than to suffer tribulations; for this whole mortal life is full of miseries and marked on every side with crosses. The higher a person has advanced in the Spirit, so much the heavier crosses he often finds. Nevertheless, this man, though in so many ways afflicted, is not without refreshing comfort, for he understands that great benefit is accrued to him by the bearing of his own cross. All the burden of tribulation is turned into the confidence of divine comfort.

It is not man’s natural inclination or ability to bear the cross, love the cross, chastise the body and bring it into subjection; willingly suffer reproach, despise oneself and wish to be despised; endure all adversities and losses and desire no prosperity in this world. You are not able to accomplish anything of this kind alone.

But, if you trust in the Lord, strength shall be given you from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to your command. Set yourself, therefore, like a good and faithful servant of Christ, to boldly and courageously bear the cross of the Lord, who out of love, was crucified for you.