But God is tender March 18, 2024
Psalm 103:13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Litany of Penitence 9
For all false judgments, for prejudice and contempt of others,
And for all uncharitable thoughts and actions toward our neighbors,
Lord, have mercy upon us,
For we have sinned against you.
Oh, merciful Lord ā¦
We desperately need you to teach us your tenderness and compassion. Convict us and heal us. Show us that sin against others is sin against YOU, whom we claim to love.
Iām reading the biography of John Lewis. He taught and profoundly believed that nonviolent resistance required cultivating love for those who sinned against him (like multiple times beating him, bashing in his head, and arresting him dozens of times for simply asking for the most basic of human rights). An incredible example for us. Reminds me of something I heard a long time ago ā¦ oh yeah. Matthew 5:11-12. And 43-48.
A song based on The Breastplate of Saint Patrick, by Wendell Kimbrough and Dan Wheeler:
When my work takes me places I donāt want to go Christ before me
And my heart aches with sorrow as I hit the road Christ be with me
When the care of my family takes all that I have Christ within me
When Iām worn and exhausted, ashamed that Iām mad Christ defend me
Refrain:
I rise up today in a strength that is not my own
Iām held by the promise of God that Iām never alone
When Iām tossed to the side and I want to give up Christ beside me
When Iām breaking my back but itās never enough Christ beside me
When I work hard but someone else gets the reward Godās eyes see me
I ask for promotion and they shut the door Godās ears hear me
When I climb the first steps toward a long-held dream Christ above me
And I leap out in faith and I hope to find wings Christ beneath me
Debra Kornfield 