For the last two weeks we have been thinking about a phrase I have heard most of my life:
In Essentials Unity, in Non-Essentials Liberty, In All Things Charity
We've taken some time to discern each of the first two phrases, considering how short the list of Essentials usually is, and how embracing Liberty can help us better face the complexity of life. This week we'll ponder the final phrase.
In All Things Charity
In our current world we often think of Charity as a noun, like an organization we give a donation. But in this circumstance (if my high school English isn't failing me!) it's used as an adverb, like how we want to act toward someone or in a situation. Perhaps another way we might say it would be, "In All Thing, Act With Generosity."
There are so many places we can apply this in our lives. Let's start centrally and work our way outward.
First, how could I act with Charity toward myself? What kind of self-talk am I using, or when was the last time I took some time for some rest and recharge? How could I act with generosity toward myself?
Next, who are the people that are closest to me and what would it look like if I approached them from a place of generous assumption? What might the impact be if I trusted they are really for me, and I leaned into that love and support?
Continuing to move outward, who are the people I see on a regular basis as I go about my life - coworkers, customer service workers, other friends or family members? If I did my best to engage with them from a place of Charity, how might our interactions be impacted for both them and for me?
Finally, as I consider the larger world, things like government leaders or political parties, organizations or various people groups, even countries and nations, while my actions toward them might not have too significant of an impact (but not none - for example, we should still vote!), by acting with Charity and generosity, I am significantly impacted. If I act toward them with anger and hostility, that can eat me up from the inside out, but when I approach with Charity, my inner life is freer and less tight and restrictive.
Out of all these layers, which one resonates the most with you today? If you were to focus on acting with Charity in that area, what would that practically look like and how could you put that into action this week? In what ways could you make an adjustment so your starting point in All Things might be generous and more charitable?
Here's to acting with Charity in All Things this week!
Be Well,
Stephen
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