Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
The beauty of the ragamuffin gospel lies in the insight it offers into Jesus: the essential tenderness of His heart, His way of looking at the world, His mode of relating to you and me. 'If you really want to understand a man, don't just listen to what he says, but watch what he does.
Interpretation
Understanding a person requires more than listening to their words; it involves observing their actions and heart.
Brennan Manning emphasizes that true comprehension of a person, particularly in the context of faith and spirituality, stems not from their spoken words alone but from their genuine actions and attitudes. This quote invites us to look deeper into the character and behavior of individuals, especially as we seek to understand the compassionate nature of Jesus and how it mirrors our own interactions.
In practice
In a sermon about compassion, a pastor could use this quote to emphasize the importance of living out one's faith through actions.
Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
The sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
We have discharged one generation of debtors after another, but we do not find that their numbers lessen. We find only that we forget, when times are good, that times were ever bad.
The development of our minds and our destination in future lives is in our hands. No one else can help us. It is very important that we each take responsibility for ourselves. Sustain mindfulness 24 hours a day. Thank you. That is all.
I never think of myself as wise. I think of myself as possessing a critical intelligence which I intend to allow to operate.
Knowing how you actually want to feel is the most potent form of clarity that you can have.
It's very important not to do what your peers think you should do, not do what your parents think,your teachers or even your culture. Do what's inside of you.
Data isn't information. ... Information, unlike data, is useful. While there's a gulf between data and information, there's a wide ocean between information and knowledge. What turns the gears in our brains isn't information, but ideas, inventions, and inspiration. Knowledge-not information-implies understanding. And beyond knowledge lies what we should be seeking: wisdom.
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