Читать книгу Love, God - Deborah J. Simmons-Roslak - Страница 13

“Criticism of others is thus an oblique form of self condemnation. We think we make the picture hang straight on your wall by telling our neighbors that his picture is crooked.”

Fulton Sheen

How difficult it is to kneel in mud and wrestle with all of your own perceived transgressions. How difficult it is to examine your own faults, weaknesses and shortcomings. However, doing so does have positive aspects.

We learn to see our own humanness and therefore, we can begin to notice it in our neighbor. We can learn that looking at ourselves with honesty there is nothing we need to fear. As we hold the Hand of Love Itself, we can learn to look with gentleness and even laughter. Love can and will teach us to be kind to ourselves, as we become more brave. God will love us as much in our humanness as He does every other moment of our existence.

“Why do you observe the splinter in your brother’s eye and never notice the great log in your own? How can you say to your brother “Brother, let me take out that splinter I your eye” when you cannot see the great log in your own? Hypocrite! Take the log out of your eye first and then you will see clearly enough to take out the splinter in your brother’s eyes.”

Luke 6:41–41

Take a Moment to Listen:

Do not fear true introspection my child. For as you look within, you can invite me to look with you. We can look together in gentleness at your perceived shortcomings. If you can accept the kindness with which I see you, you will, in turn, develop patience in accepting perceived faults in your neighbor as well.

I look at all I see in kindness and hope. Love cannot condemn. The more you look at yourself through my eyes, the more peace you will find. Do not fear what lies underneath behavior, for I go with you and I will gently remind you of how deeply you are loved.

As we travel together through your perceptions, I can help you begin to understand the cause of your actions. We can sweep away the cobwebs of fear and leave behind a frightened need you will no longer have.

It is in the kindness of understanding my child, that you will find freedom. Do not fear introspection. It is here that I hold your hand and go with you on this inward journey. It is here that you will find true freedom and blessed peace.

Guided Meditation

Looking honestly at your self is not always an easy task. Looking at others openly and honestly can be difficult as well. This becomes compounded when we believe that God is keeping score with every thought and action we have or do.

Go to your favorite comfortable spot and relax. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Ask God, who loves you without reservation, to guide you on this inner journey. Think for a moment about someone you are having trouble with. Allow yourself to see that person and think about what bothers you about them. Gently ask God to help you see without judgment or criticism. Allow Him to assist you to see through Love’s sight. Give yourself permission to accept His healing love.

Whenever you need to, you can ask God to journey with you, or you can see the ‘splinter’ in your own eye. God wants you to take it out, so that you can see more clearly through His mercy and love.

Your Thoughts/Experience: