Able Quote by Thomas a Kempis
“It is better to be affected with a true penitent sorrow for sin than to be able to resolve the most difficult cases about it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, c. 1418
True repentance, deep sorrow for one's sins, is more valuable than intellectual mastery of theological problems.
In simple terms: Sincere remorse beats clever arguments about sin.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate heartfelt contrition.
Themes
repentance
humility
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- confession
- personal counseling
- spiritual direction
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
theology
psychology of guilt
ethical introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- What does genuine sorrow look like in your life?
- How can you move from analysis to heartfelt repentance?
A Different Perspective
Intellectual understanding may not lead to moral change.
![“that sin is not the only possible cause of suffering has two practical implications. First, it “shatters the myth that our own righteousness can protect us from unjust suffering.”[109] In other words, we cannot control the situations that might lead to our pain. Second, we cannot judge others…” quote by Tremper Longman III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d7/tremper-longman-iii-24719_suffering_that-sin-is-not-the-only-possible-cause_1584345.jpg)
