A Framework for Faith/Spiritual Practices

Moreover, if any injury were done to him, he would always do some good thing in return, for he always forgave injuries. He would labour with his hands for the love of God, to get what they wanted for the poor. And so he passed his life in this world as to receive the crown of eternal life in the world to come.

  - Anonymous, Life of Ciaran of Saighir (II) (Irish, 17th cent. from an earlier ms.)

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  - Romans 12.21

Here is a simple principle to guide our practices so that, in all things, we might reflect the very character of Jesus Christ.

It's easy to get angry when we are slighted, and then to want to get even. But anger does not lead to righteousness (Jms. 1.20) and vengeance belongs to the Lord, not us (Rom. 12.19). So where does that leave us?

We can't do nothing. We have to respond. Whether or not the injury was intentional, the injury is real, and we feel it. Ciaran "would always do some good" when injury was done to him by another. He was not living for satisfaction in the present, but for glorification now and in the age to come. That meant living like Christ - deny yourself, consider others better than yourself, overcome evil with good.

How difficult is this calling! We have a hard enough time doing good when the skids are greased for it - or, at least, when a door of opportunity opens before us. But how hard it is to show love and do good to those who wrong us. But Jesus certainly turned the other cheek, and aren't we glad that He did?

The mark of a Christian is love (Jn. 13.35). Love covers a multitude of sins. The love to which we are called reflects the love of God, Who puts our sins behind Him and remembers our sins no more. How can we, who are His children, do anything othere than this?

It takes grace and faith to overcome our first reactions to injury. But if we wait on the Lord, fix our eyes on Christ, and look upon the one who has injured us with the mind and eyes of the Lord, we will find the grace we need in order that we may obey Paul's instruction: "Overcome evil with good."

Keep your eyes open today for even the smallest opportunity to practice this profoundly Christlike demeanor. You will grow closer to Him as you do.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

ReVision - You gotta love the moral relativist, who is so absolutely sure that his view of ethics is right. But isn't he borrowing on something other than his own view here?

In the Gates - It is unlawful to try to use the Law of God as a means to salvation.

March Download - What does it mean to be saved? And how can you be sure that you possess this glorious and gracious gift? You might be surprised, and this month's free download might make an interesting study for your small group or with some friends.

Book Store - There's still time to order copies of The Legacy of Patrick for your friends. This book is an introduction both to Celtic Christianity and The Fellowship of Ailbe. And while you're there, get a copy of The Ground for Christian Ethics so that you can learn more about the right use of the Law of God.

Thanks for your friendship and support of our ministry.

T. M. Moore, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.