Episode 90 -- Imitation of Christ III.52 -- Thinking We Deserve Punishment and Not Consolation

What should we think we deserve from God: consolation or punishment?

Based on all our personal sins: punishment. Thomas a Kempis lays out some reasons why we deserve punishment for our sins. To deserve is to be owed something. What do all our sins and infidelities deserve? What is due to us for turning from God? Punishment is not something primarily externally imposed. Punishment especially arises from the disorder of our actions. When we act contrary to what we are, made in the image of God, children of God, called to glory, then there are consequences that are painful. Painful consequences that follow bad actions and make up for the disorder of the action are called punishments.