Remaining Faithful Message from Rev. Mary White
Good Afternoon and Blessings
When someone has said something or done a wrong toward you, how often have you hung on to grudges, or bitterness, or revengeful thoughts? I was a feisty child and was ready to defend myself and the underdogs in the neighbourhood. One important lesson my father taught me was to not respond when someone called me names or tried to start a fight. He said, “When someone says hurtful things or hits out at you and if you do nothing then they will feel regretful for their actions”. I began to feel sorry for those people. For me, this was a lesson showing compassion and in loving my enemies. I stopped being defensive.
Keep safe, Keep connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary
Reading • Luke 6:35-38 The Message (MSG)
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Creator lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Creator is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Prayer excerpt from the Iona Community Abbey Worship Book
Creator of all,
Champion of all,
Spirit in all,
One God in perfect community, stay with us now.
Where there is apathy, kindle the flame of your love.
Where there is deceit, confront every lie with your truth.
Where there is hopelessness, reveal deep wells of compassion.
Where there is joy, let your kindly protection be known.
Where we hesitate to serve you, make us restless until we change.
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever.
Amen