Abiding in the loving presence of God and His people increases our capacity to suffer well
The road of His abiding presence leads to the suffering well.
Jesus teaches us along the road of His presence that leads to suffering well.
Embracing the suffering in our flesh as we live to the spirit of God in us.
The suffering well is surrounded by those who have received the loving presence of another in the midst of their pain, hurt, and loss.
The “Ministry of Reconciliation” is primarily about our God pursuing us and restoring us into relationship with Him. It is not about fixing our problems or behaviors.
Beyond being reconciled to God we are being reconciled to each other and ourselves through holiness and pure living. It’s about coming back to life- the life God created for people to live. The life of deep relationship, fulfillment, and purpose- the way it was meant to work. (We were separated from the life of God).
See How People Grow p. 27
In relationships health attracts health, and sickness attracts sickness.
If your drawn to someone with dysfunction, your dysfunctions are compatible.
Purity is necessary for a good life. Purity is not about “just being good”, rather it’s about being one.
Two meanings for “pure”:
1. That’s all there is in it.
2. That’s really what it is.
God is pure: a multiple personality who never splits.
We’re divided, separated, and fragmented, unlike God. Our anger is not connected to our values, so we express it hurtfully.
In purity, we’re one person. “Diabolic” means “compartmentalize”.
And there are parts we hide- things in darkness, (loss and hurt; “uglies”). This leads to a loss of connection, a shallowness.
(See s-796_outline.doc by H. Cloud)
Toxic shame prevents us from receiving love. It is a bully built from lies that needs to be put in his place
Grace is the beginning of our healing because it offers the one thing we need most: to be accepted without regard to whether we are acceptable. Grace stands for gift; it is the gift of being accepted before we become acceptable. (Shame and Grace p. 108)
