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Another person's estrangement from God, or nonbelief, etc., is actually holy ground, a sacred ecosystem with its idiosyncratic characteristics. It's part of that person's life mystery, and only God knows the ins and outs, the intricacies, the particular history and context(individual, generational, etc.). Only God knows what to "do"--His plan of healing for that person, and the timing of that healing. Deep listening to God, deep sensitivity to the Spirit--that's our call in these relationships, I believe, and above all, of course, love. If/when it's time to say something, only words from the heart--God's heart through ours--will serve.
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3 comments:
Beautifully said. Would that all "evangelists" would put this on their refrigerator doors in large print.
Thank you. Perfectly spoken, truly said.
This brought to mind confession yesterday and the reciting of Psalm 50. We read "I shall teach transgressors your ways". Sadly, I know from my background as a former Protestant Evangelical type that my first impulse was always to use my mouth. I recall a quote (attributed to blessed Francis of Asisi, I believe): "Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." The first time I heard that, I was convicted in my heart. I remember thinking, "If I were dumb, deaf and blind, COULD I still 'preach' the Gospel?' I say yes, and my sense is the Church Fathers and Mothers would agree. I was so glad to read this part of your blog so soon after confession, as it reaffirmed that I have SO much available for me to do each day to grasp/comprehend/exhibit the "ideal of Christ", perhaps I should trust in The Holy Spirit a tad more, knowing that a humble and contrite spirit on my part can do wonders for those who simply chance to observe God at work within me.
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