Good morning…
In my quiet time this morning, I am drawn to cultivate yesterday’s controversial post, expanding the fertile, common ground beneath our feet. Whether we walk to the middle with God from the left or walk to the middle with God from the right, As we take into our body the broken body of Christ, we are united in a holy, intimate mystery.
Centered at one with God, we encourage rather than criticize.
We smile rather than scowl.
We whisper rather than shout.
We invite rather than self-protect.
We gently join hands and speak rather than disconnecting into silence.
We nod rather than shake our head in disgust.
We lift up rather than tear down.
We welcome rather than reject.
We reassure rather than judge harshly.
We offer rather than force.
We exude rather than hide God’s light.
We affirm rather than avoid ancient truth.
We “ache with” rather than “cut off from.”
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely (Galatians 5:22-23, MSG).
…Sue…
