The
Fruit of Listening
by
Robbin Brent
As we come to the end of the fourth week in Lent, let’s
look at the theme for the week, listening as an act of mercy and love, through
the lens of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5. These fruit join with
mercy and love to form a powerful foundation on which rests a vibrant life in
God. Where, as Jesuit priest and paleontologist Teilhard de Chardin expressed
so beautifully, we can trust in the slow work of God.
These fruit give us the guidance we need to slow down so
that we can show up in the present moment, the only moment in which we can
sense the presence of God. We will need that guidance and support when we show
up in the moment and discover unjust suffering and othering inflicted on our
neighbors, as Scott Stoner wrote about in week three. And when we feel
compelled to stand up and speak out in response to the suffering and division
we witness, we can stand strong and faithful in our truth. We will know
first-hand the freedom of spirit that is born from our desire to both speak and
listen faithfully, trusting that what knits us together is stronger than what
threatens to divide us. Malcolm McLaurin offered us a powerful example of this
in his reflection in week two through the story of Starr Carter in The Hate U
Give.
No matter what, we can trust that God is holding us all
with infinite mercy and love that has been infused with the fruit of the
Spirit. I can think of no more powerful map and compass for our journey: heart,
soul, strength, and mind.
Making
It Personal:
Can you think of a time recently where you were compelled
to listen to or speak out about a difficult issue? How did it go?
If it didn’t go
well, could first grounding yourself in the fruit of the Spirit offer you
support and guidance?
Could they help
you to be a more faithful listener and advocate?
Living
Well Through Lent 2021
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©2021 Scott Stoner.
All rights reserved.
Are you finding this Lenten Devotional Series helpful?
Please COMMENT to allow me to evaluate my reactions to my blog.
Should I continue this blog I have felt to re-establish or should I discontinue?
I have already decided to continue through the Month of May 2020
to follow the Lenten Season.
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