Keep up a humble sense of your own faults, and that will make you compassionate to others

Keep up a humble sense of your own faults, and that will make you compassionate to others

Richard Baxter was a prominent English Puritan church leader, theologian, and writer who lived in the 17th century. He is best known for his work "The Reformed Pastor," in which he emphasized the importance of humility and compassion in the ministry. Baxter believed that a humble sense of one's own faults was essential for being compassionate towards others.

In his writings, Baxter stressed the need for self-examination and self-awareness. He believed that by acknowledging our own faults and weaknesses, we are better able to empathize with the struggles and shortcomings of others. Baxter understood that no one is perfect, and that we all fall short in some way. By recognizing our own imperfections, we are less likely to judge or condemn others for their mistakes.

Baxter also believed that humility was a key virtue in the Christian life. He saw pride as the root of many sins and believed that a humble attitude was necessary for spiritual growth and maturity. By humbling ourselves before God and others, we are able to receive grace and forgiveness, and extend the same to those around us.

Baxter's emphasis on humility and compassion was rooted in his understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ. He saw Jesus as the ultimate example of humility and compassion, and believed that Christians should strive to emulate his character in their own lives. Baxter believed that by following Christ's example of humility and compassion, we are able to show love and mercy to others, even in the face of their faults and failings.