The Imitation of Christ

9

Too Much Familiarity Is To Be Avoided

1 John 4:9

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 

Mark 14:36

“Abba Father, everything is  possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Luke 22:42-44

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from Heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Hebrews 5:5

So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high pries. But God said to him,

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.

Do not open your heart to everyone, but discuss your personal affairs with those who are wise and fear God.

Do not exchange your thoughts and feeling with the very young and with strangers.

Do not flatter the rich, and do not be eager to be associated with renowned people.

Keep company with the humble and simple ones, with the devout and virtuous, and talk with them of those things that encourage emotional, mental, or spiritual improvement.

Do not be overly intimate with any person, but, in general, commend all good people to God.

Desire to be intimate with God alone, and avoid intimate relationships with others.

We must have love toward all, but familiarity with others is not beneficial.

Sometimes it happens that we esteem someone who is unknown to us because of the good report that others have given to us, but when we do meet we discover that the person is somewhat unpleasant.

We think sometimes that we please others by our presence, but instead we offend them with those bad qualities that they discover in us.