As one who has caused a fair share of tears for others and has experienced a host of my own on account of raggedy human behavior, "You keep track of all my sorrows.
"You are not exemplifying distrust for knowing pain" I hate that words like these have to be said over and over, hate the horrors that loom large behind the need so many of us have to hear such words, but thank you for saying them, and for saying them so beautifully.
"However, when one encounters the tears of others who are contemplating suicide, who have been lied to by their partner for decades, who have been called crazy for wanting truth to be brought to the light, and who are being bombed and displaced due to vindictive, unrestrained powers, you have to work really hard to despise people whose theology is rooted in divine empathy."
I am increasingly certain that a Christianity done not among others, or that doesnt encounters others, is not actually Christianity. Being among people who feel like they can share where a theology doesn't quite fit what they're going through, and that had a humility that says "Hey, maybe i need to rethink that", is so important to truly seeing God move among us. Following Jesus is inherently shaped by the world around us, in both good and bad ways. Being in a community to discern which is which is so crucial.
Great writeup man. You have such a way with words.
"You are not exemplifying distrust for knowing pain" I hate that words like these have to be said over and over, hate the horrors that loom large behind the need so many of us have to hear such words, but thank you for saying them, and for saying them so beautifully.
My brother 🥹🫂 yes… I feel this deeply. Thank you
"However, when one encounters the tears of others who are contemplating suicide, who have been lied to by their partner for decades, who have been called crazy for wanting truth to be brought to the light, and who are being bombed and displaced due to vindictive, unrestrained powers, you have to work really hard to despise people whose theology is rooted in divine empathy."
I am increasingly certain that a Christianity done not among others, or that doesnt encounters others, is not actually Christianity. Being among people who feel like they can share where a theology doesn't quite fit what they're going through, and that had a humility that says "Hey, maybe i need to rethink that", is so important to truly seeing God move among us. Following Jesus is inherently shaped by the world around us, in both good and bad ways. Being in a community to discern which is which is so crucial.
Great writeup man. You have such a way with words.
Phew, this is so well said R.J. Beautiful words that I’m gonna have to reflect on. Thank you 🙏🏾 also, thank you for the constant encouragement 🙏🏾🫂