You know that in a community of many it is impossible for all to be of the same strength, whether in body or in character, and so the authority of our Rule advises us to bear each weakness with patience; and charity requires us to stoop down somewhat to each. Some other person sees this and he perhaps begins to envy one whose pain he ought to share. Let this be the fruit of our sermon: that you are always mindful of higher things, because the fullness of humility consists of that. Perhaps the grace bestowed on you on a certain count seems greater than that given to some other brother, but if you are a zealous rival you will be able to judge yourself inferior on many counts. What if you are able to work or fast more than he, but he surpasses you in patience, outstrips you in humility and towers above in charity? Why do you meditate in foolish thought all day about what you seem to have? Be more concerned to know what you are lacking! For the rest, be always mindful of what another possesses and you do not, because this thought preserves you in a humble state and distances you from falling off into luke-warmness; but even more, it also enkindles in you a desire for improvement. We know that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
From Sermon Three for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Sermons for a Summer Season, CF 53, pp 128, 129,130)
Charles Craig says
Also, could not the strengths of one community member counterbalance or support the weaknesses of another which would cause the community to become stronger as its members work together? For example, I have a weak prayer life, but if I was in a community where there was a brother who excelled at prayer, he seems to pray continuously, even while at work. I could hold him as an example and ask him to pray for me to help strengthen my weakness while I returned the favor to him, praying for whatever area he was weak in.