And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2
“Since then the only-begotten Son of God has been sent from the Father as propitiation for the world, may we, the blind, see again, we captives be freed, we oppressed be forgiven. Who is blind? One short-sighted through attachment to the passions. Who is captive? One led away by unseemly thoughts. Who is oppressed? One broken by sins. The Lord heals them; for He is a physician of souls as well as bodies… Let no one then remain unenlightened and unhealed, but let them draw near with faith and they will receive blessing from the Lord and mercy from God their Savior.”
Theodore the Studite (759-826) in Saints’ Quotes: Holy Quotations for Purification of the Soul, Collection on Attachment.
My prayer today for everyone reading this is enlightenment and healing.
Jesus Christ not only served as the propitiation, the atoning sacrifice for our sins, He helps the blind see, sets the captives free, and forgives the sins of the oppressed.
This generous blessing and mercy is for everyone who draws near to God.
The reality is that many people have experienced the propitiation but they are still slaves to their passions. Christ is their atoning sacrifice, but they remain blind, captive, and/or oppressed.
Disordered attachments enslave and limit our generosity.
This comes into view as attachments to things like money or other possessions, slavery to addictions or debt that limit our present and future impact, and other sins that so easily beset us. All of us, me included.
So we must be free and healthy to help others. To experience this we take steps toward God.
Theodore would suggest that when we draw near to God in faith, so we experience enlightenment and healing to live in light of the freedom and forgiveness we have in Jesus.
If that sounds too complicated, just ask God what you need to detach or find freedom from to grow in generosity.
At the Global Gathering for GTP we replicated a training called Stations of Generosity which I pray spreads around the world through enlightened and healed people.