Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that even in our darkest moments, we find God's mercy, which can lead us to deeper understanding and connection with Him.
Brennan Manning's quote reveals that for those who feel lost or broken (the ragamuffins), the concept of mercy is central to their relationship with God. It highlights that our struggles and darkness can lead us to a profound realization of spirituality, showing that our difficulties serve a purpose by drawing us closer to divine love. The acknowledgment of our poverty in spirit opens up a pathway to understanding the rich depths of God's mercy, suggesting that even in our weakest moments, we are held by something far greater than ourselves.
Themes
MercyDarknessSpiritualityPoverty Of SpiritFaith
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon focused on forgiveness and redemption.
More from Brennan Manning
All quotes →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.
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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.
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Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
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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.
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In my experience, self-hatred is the dominant malaise crippling Christians and stifling their growth in the Holy Spirit.
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