DAILY MEDITATION: "Healing Letters" for Monday, 4 September 2017
Photo courtesy of V. Dobson
When you write a very angry letter to a friend who has hurt you deeply, don't send it! Let the letter sit on your table for a few days and read it over a number of times. Then ask yourself: "Will this letter bring life to me and my friend? Will it bring healing, will it bring a blessing?" You don't have to ignore the fact that you are deeply hurt. You don't have to hide from your friend that you feel offended. But you can respond in a way that makes healing and forgiveness possible and opens the door for new life. Rewrite the letter if you think it does not bring life, and send it with a prayer for your friend. 
For further reflection...
I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love... [2 Corinthians 2: 8 (NIV)]
Your response...
Can you relate to Henri's words about the letter?
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Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
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Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R9, Canada
-------The Henri Nouwen Society of Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Daily Meditation for Sunday, 3 September 2017: "Waiting with Our Response"
DAILY MEDITATION: "Waiting with Our Response" for Sunday, 3 September 2017
Photo courtesy of V. Dobson
Choosing life instead of death demands an act of will that often contradicts our impulses. Our impulses want to take revenge, while our wills want to offer forgiveness. Our impulses push us to an immediate response: When someone hits us in the face, we impulsively want to hit back.How then can we let our wills dominate our impulses? The key word is wait. Whatever happens, we must put some space between the hostile act directed toward us and our response. We must distance ourselves, take time to think, talk it over with friends, and wait until we are ready to respond in a life-giving way. Impulsive responses allow evil to master us, something we always will regret. But a well thought-through response will help us to "master evil with good" (Romans 12.21).
For further reflection...
Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. [1 Peter 3: 9 (NIV)]
Your response...
What helps you wait until you can respond in a "lifegiving" way?
Continue the Inspiration
Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Finding My Way Home".
Visit our Bookstore:
Consider our monthly giving program to sustain the ability to extend Henri's legacy and make his work available to those who seek spiritual formation and nourishment. Click here to sign up today.
Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.
STAY CONNECTED:
The Henri Nouwen Society
214 - 95 Saint Joseph Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2R9, Canada
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