“Out of His fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” John 1:16
“What could result from the contemplation of compassion so marvelous and so undeserved, favor so free and so well attested, kindness so unexpected, clemency so unconquerable, grace so amazing except that the soul should withdraw from all sinful affections, reject all that is inconsistent with God’s love, and yield herself wholly to heavenly things?”
Bernard of Clairvaux in On Loving God, excerpt from chapter 4.
Those who contemplate on compassion withdraw, reject, and yield. They withdraw from all sinful affections, they reject all that is inconsistent with God’s love, and they yield to heavenly things.
From what sinful affections do you need to withdraw? How is your life inconsistent with God’s love? What would it look like for you to yield to heavenly things? These are good questions for everyone to ask.
The India trip has gone so well. Thanks for your prayers. I head home in one more day. As I depart Bernard reminds me to think and contemplate on compassion. Do it with me and see how the Holy Spirit speaks to your.