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How should we listen to a journeying reality, no matter how ugly it is (Galatians 4:19)?
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There is a laboring process, “as in the pains of childbirth”, that we are working out in our conversations of Soul Care. When I notice to ugliness of a journeying reality, I can frame it as the agony of bringing a new life into the world spiritually is similar. There are terrible pains we experience as human beings, but the unity with Christ and the healing that the spirit provides is accessible- most often through suffering.
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We need to listen with the understanding that just as God did not give up on us even in our deepest sin, we should not give up on each other. We know that the Grace of God is freely given that we are forgiven of our sins and God is ready to receive our repentant souls unto Him.
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We listen to a journeying reality , no matter how ugly it is, according to Gal. :4-19, I want you to know I’m in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. I’m entering into this journey with you led by The Spirit to guide do and enter into battle with you. We ask God for the Spirit to rule.
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We should listen to a journeying reality primarily with a mood of celebration. We know that God is at work and will accomplish His purposes for each of us. We should remember that our brother or sister is a bearer of God’s image in whom the Spirit is at work, and we should long for them to reflect more and more of His image to others. We should remember that nothing done TO someone, however painful, can damage their innermost soul. We should also listen with humility, knowing that we also struggle in similar ways to those we listen to.
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As I ponder presenting and facilitating SC conversations w others, I often think about the differences in people w whom I connect closely w these issues – some w whom I relish the connections, others I don’t, who I may (out of my flesh) see as a nuisance – I must w hope agonize over what God will do in me by His power to engage w this person to bring them to be more like Jesus, in a manner similar to childbirth as Paul describes