Comment: There is nothing wrong with seeking out correct behavior, attitudes and obedience. However, unless God says otherwise, we need to put up with others’ shortcomings. We don’t like to be criticized for our own faults, but perhaps enjoy pointing out the faults of others too much.
Thomas tells us that God makes us aware of this in order to draw us to Him. In supporting each other and bearing with one another, it helps us seek Him out all the more. Such adversity proves us ready and open to His teachings.
In most chapters, Thomas has some direct biblical reference. But not here. I will have to survey it more closely, see if I can find one, and insert it if found.
Chapter 16, In Short.
1. We ought to bear with the faults of others.
2. Why is it that we are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings?
3. We want others corrected, but are not willing to correct ourselves.
4. According to God’s wishes we need to bear with one another.
Book 1, Chapter 16: On Bearing with the Faults of Others.
Those things which you cannot amend in yourself or in others, you ought patiently to bear, until God ordains otherwise.
Do you think that perhaps it is better for your trial and patience, without which our merits are but little worth? Nevertheless you ought to beseech God, when you find such impediments, that He would grant such grace to sustain you, so that you are able to bear these faults with good will.
2. If one who is once or twice admonished refuse to listen, do not strive with him, but commit this all to God, that His will may be done and His honor be shown in His servants: For He knows well how to convert the evil into good.
Endeavor to be patient in bearing with other’s faults and infirmities whatever they may be, for you yourself have many defects which others have to bear. If thou cannot make your own self what you desire, how can you correct another to your own liking? We are ready to see others made perfect, and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings.
3. We would have others strictly corrected, but we are not willing to be corrected ourselves. The freedom of others displeases us, but we are dissatisfied that our own wishes are denied. We desire rules to be made restraining others, but by no means will we suffer ourselves to be restrained. Therefore it plainly appears how seldom we weigh our neighbor in the same balance with ourselves. If people were perfect, what then would we have to suffer from others for God?
4. But now has God thus ordained, that we may learn to bear one another’s burdens, because no one is without defect, none without a burden, none sufficient of himself, none wise enough of himself; but it benefits us to bear with one another, to comfort one another, to help, instruct, admonish one another. How much strength each of you has is best proved by occasions of adversity: for such occasions do not make you frail, but show what mettle you are made of.