Wait for it… Giving Presence
Dec. 5, 2022 Lectionary Reading from -Luke 5:17-26
In the passage below, Jesus is responding to a group of religious leaders who don’t want him to forgive sins (read entire passage here.)
Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the one who was paralysed—‘I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.’ Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’ Jesus
Have you ever considered the connection between giving and forgiving? It’s been our experience that people who are unfree in their souls can’t give forgiveness freely. They unclearly judge who’s in and who’s out, Who is qualified or worthy to give or receive forgiveness, and who’s not.
Just imagine life accumulating offenses, unfairness, hurt feelings, injustices, and judgments. Your load would be impossibly heavy. Giving and forgiving would be strained and inaccessible.
Christ is the embodiment of the word Giving, and you’ve been created in the “Imago Dei,” the Image of God. When we are other-referenced, awake, and present, we reflect God; we play God when we’re asleep and self-referenced. So how does the Presence of “Giving” and forgiving show up in your life?
Generous-giving is in the driver’s seat for Enneagram style TWO. Our friend Lindsey Marks is an Enneagram TWO. Whether she’s teaching music or leading worship, she has a giving and forgiving presence in the world. Watch our vlog with Lindsey from 2020 and allow her words to open a way for you to encounter the Giving Christ.
Enneagramype 2: The Loving Person. Transforming TWOS embody God’s love. TWOS are givers of God’s love, care, and personal connection with us. TWOS, when led by the Holy Spirit, are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing while being aware of their self-care. Integrated TWOs meet needs as they sense the Spirit’s prompting to do so, without expecting something in return.
Practice the presence of Giving
- Practice showing your love for others by simply being with them.
- Create a practice for developing a clear, quiet mind.
- Find support for opening your HEART to yourself.
- Experiment with nurturing yourself.
- Practice receiving and giving forgiveness
©Motions of the Soul Clare Loughrige, 2012
Giving thanks for God’s generosity,
Clare and Scott
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