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Wisdom Story
The Desert Father, Abba Romanus, was at the point of death. His disciples gathered round him. They asked, "How should we conduct ourselves?" The Abba replied, ""I don't think I've ever told one of you to do something without having first made the decision not to get angry, if what I said were not done. Therefore, we've lived in peace all our days together."
Quote
It has seemed to me that you have need of more enlargement of heart in relation to the defects of others. I know that you cannot help seeing them when they come before you, nor prevent the opinions you involuntarily form concerning the motives of some of those about you.
... It will be enough if you are willing to bear with those defects that are unmistakable, refrain from condemning those that are doubtful, and not allow yourself to be so afflicted by them as to cause a coolness of feeling between you.
*Francois de Fenelon (b. 1651), Spiritual Letters
Scripture
So I, a prisoner for the Lord's sake, entreat you to live lives worthy of the call you have received, with perfect humility and gentleness, with patience, lovingly bearing with one another, continuing with eager earnestness to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the tie of peace.
*Ephesians 4.1-3 (Williams NT)
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Comments
Certainly, some behaviors should not be tolerated in a family, faith community, or any relationship. Yet, a general principle on flaws of character in other persons is given by Abba Romanus, de Fenelon, and St. Paul: loving forbearance.
St. Paul offers a clue regarding loving tolerance. He writes "eager earnestness to maintain the unity of the Spirit (or, spirit) through the tie of peace." The person who so loves the community or a relationship and places its peace above her own being pleased, will be a person willing to grow in loving tolerance for the good of the other. Like all spiritual virtue, this is humbling and freeing, for there is no freedom apart from freedom from self.
This self-humbling person finds the greater pleasure in the peace and good of all. Being unpleased, initially, she soon finds great pleasure in self-demotion. This, she finds, turns out to be the only way to find herself, truly. This, she discovers, is the sole path to peace with God and within the Body of Christ.
Let us each pray for this delight in self-demotion. If we will it rightly, for the good of love, the Holy Spirit will work it into us by Grace, and in concord with our will to serve all in the name of Christ.
Suggested Reflection
1. What is "the unity of the Spirit?"
2. Is the church you belong to enjoying "the unity of the Spirit"? If not, how can you model that for the Body? If yes, what are reasons the Body is enjoying such unity?
See next page for details on OneLife Ministries, Brian's book An Ache for Union, and material pertaining to sources used in the writing.
Feel free to submit a query on how OneLife Ministries can better serve you. Thanks! Brian K. Wilcox
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