Being and Doing – 2 March – Patience
‘I OFTEN think,’ she said, ‘that it is not in our Lord’s Cross and Passion that His patience comes most home to us. To be patient before an unjust judge or brutal soldiers might be almost a part of self-respect; but patience with the daily disappointments of a life ” too good for this world,” as people say, patience with the follies, the unworthiness, the ingratitude of those one loves these things are our daily example. For wounds in the house of our enemies pride may be prepared; wounds in the house of our friends take human nature by surprise, and God only can teach us to bear them.
And with all reverence I think that we may say that ours have an element of difficulty in which His were wanting. They are mixed with blame on our own parts.’
Mrs. EWING.
IT is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle; for this is naturally pleasing to all, and every one willingly enjoyeth peace, and loveth those best that agree with him.
But to be able to live peaceably with hard and perverse persons, or with the disorderly, or with such as go contrary to us, is a most commendable and manly thing.”
THOMAS À KEMPIS.
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These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.
Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.
Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.
For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith. I hope they will encourage others also.
Suffolk Vicar 