Image by Adam Neil
“Our culture says that ruthless competition is the key to success. Jesus says that ruthless compassion is the purpose of our journey.” Brennan Manning
Our next quote from the book, Ruthless Trust, is probably the best. Instead of the ruthless competition of the world, we display the ruthless compassion of Jesus.
Wow. It is our purpose.
The world says compete. Strive. Get ahead.
Jesus says love. Have empathy. Forgive.
The life Jesus lived is the life we are called to follow. Not perfect as He, but broken, forgiven people following hard after a compassionate God.
The journey we take on this earth is difficult.
Filled with obstacles. Tiring in the least. Soul-crushing at its worst.
We don’t need to get caught up in all the chaos and try to figure out how to fix everyone and everything. Instead, Jesus gives us two commands:
- Love God
- Love people
I can take a moment and breathe. Knowing that as long as I am doing my best to love God and people, I can relax.
How can we show love to God? To others?
- I worship God and commune. I listen to people, really listen with my heart, as they talk to me.
- I pray to God about my life, and I pray and intercede for people.
- I seek to meet the needs of others when I can, and that pleases God.
Small acts of kindness. Something I love to share and do, especially when I can do them in secret.
My prayer is for God to help me get my focus off of myself, getting caught up in self-pity and everything me–me–me.
And turn my focus on Him and others. This way of life is beautiful and freeing.
And the purpose of my journey.
Do you feel better when you turn your focus away from yourself? Let’s talk about it.
Amen. Turning the focus off myself and keeping the focus on God allows me to share His love and light. 🙂
🙂