I am happy to know that Jesus gave us a list of things that we should do for each other when we are nearing despair, and in need of a helping hand. These are called the "Corporal Works of Mercy." But I was wondering whether or not there were any other kinds, as I thought there should be some "Spiritual Works of Mercy" to go with them. Since I couldn't find any, I made them up. Of course, they are not meant in any way as a substitute for any of the items in Jesus' list, but I don't know how their additional practice could hurt anyone.
1. Forgive those who have harmed you.
- physically, spiritually, emotionally
2. Forgive those who abused your goods.
- cheated, stolen, destroyed
3. Forgive those who have led you astray.
- lying, betraying, confusing
4. Tell an unbeliever about Jesus' story.
- messiah, message, sacrifice
5. Help someone to accept salvation.
- pointless, following, transformed
6. Share your faith to an agnostic seeker.
- meaning, purpose, peace
7. Warn a friend of the cost of immorality.
- foolish, disrespectful, liability
8. Help someone to do the right thing.
- integrity, honor, edification
9. Redirect someone who is going astray.
- warning, peer group, direction
X. Pray for someone in need of God's help.
- stumbling, ensnared, confused
¤. Give aid to someone God shows you.
- advice, reconnection, encouragement
☆. Encourage someone to seek for God.
- wandering, hopeless, searching
Which of God's mercies would you deny?
He has done all of these things for us.
"May Adonai bless you and protect you! May Adonai deal kindly and graciously with you! May Adonai lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace!" (Torah, Numbers 6:24-26) And Jesus said, "Allow the little children to come unto me. Forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Truly, I say unto you, unless you receive the Kingdom of God as a little child does, you shall not enter therein." (New Testament, Mark 10:14-16)
Sojourning at an Oasis Paradise
My purpose for living this life, and for writing this blog, is to understand the faith that links us to God. I wish to explore and discuss the reality at the heart of all of the world's religions. This is an immense task, but I know that God also has faith in us, trusting that we do desire the truth, as well as freedom, love and wisdom. Thus, as always, He meets us halfway. Even as God has given us individual souls, so we must each of us trace out an individual pathway to God. Whether we reside in the cities of orthodox religion, or wend our solitary ways through the barren wastelands, God watches over us and offers us guidance and sustenance for the journey.
Most of what you will see here is the result of extensive personal study, combined with some careful speculation. Occasionally, I may simply offer some Scripture or an inspirational text. I am a wide reader, and the connection of some topics and ideas to matters of faith and religion may not seem immediately obvious, but perhaps I may spell it out in the end... or maybe, you will decide that it was just a tangent. Anyway, I hope that you will find my meanderings to be spiritually enlightening, intellectually stimulating, or at least somewhat entertaining.
Most of what you will see here is the result of extensive personal study, combined with some careful speculation. Occasionally, I may simply offer some Scripture or an inspirational text. I am a wide reader, and the connection of some topics and ideas to matters of faith and religion may not seem immediately obvious, but perhaps I may spell it out in the end... or maybe, you will decide that it was just a tangent. Anyway, I hope that you will find my meanderings to be spiritually enlightening, intellectually stimulating, or at least somewhat entertaining.
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