Reconciling: The Art of living in the Light of GRACE

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Yes, the past two days the Henri Nouwen Daily Meditations have been pretty dark… All of them dealing with death, grief and moving on, etc.

  In thinking about the bigger picture, I have decided to highlight one comment made in today’s meditation about forgiveness: “Have I forgiven those who have hurt me and asked forgiveness from those I have hurt?” Living in the light of God’s Grace is a life time journey of reconciliation.  How we reconcile ourselves to God and neighbor.  The picture below includes a great statement about character and personal strength when you do turn the other cheek: When you respond to others out of GRACE.  I love thinking about GRACE in bold, all caps, as large as the Hollywood letters sign…  because for the most part, our lives are built around GRACE especially when we realize our relationship with Christ in developing our faith.  The awesome beauty of GRACE reveals itself further the more you are spiritual fed, the more you discipline your lives to where Christ is indeed the center of your life.  He is Lord of your life in everything you do or say; your spiritual journey is to grow and go!

There will be plenty of cruel people in the world to challenge you, be indifferent to you and your pain.  A lot of times, these same people profess they are Christian.  Their behavior shows otherwise, but in turning the other cheek and reconciling to their affliction made upon you, is living in the light of God’s GRACE.  There are many things we need to focus our hearts’ energy upon; grudges, animosities or seeming injustice need to be acted upon with Love and humility.  If I allowed everyone who’s hurt me affect who I am now… I would be carrying the weight of this world’s standards and ways.  Matthew 6:33 "³³ But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Jesus says this to us to reconcile ourselves as both saint and sinner to Him and our neighbor.  To grow in spiritual formation; you must grow in reconciling your heart in relationship to God.

May God Bless Your journeys~