Pathways Press.com

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary theologian and author.

Prayer invites us into compassion. Prayer gives us the power to sense people’s spirits. As we learn to walk with God and to live a life of perpetual communion, we come into a gentleness by which we love all people. We have an amazing discernment to see what is in people — not out of curiosity or because it will give us an edge over them, but so that we can enter into their fear, hate, and hurt, and thus call forth the peace and healing of Christ… Do not get me wrong. I’m not talking about some kind of sentimentalism or mushy peace that wants to avoid conflict at all costs. The peaceable gospel of Jesus Christ brings the sword of the Spirit that divides and judges. As we enter into the spirit in people, we are incensed at the poverty, injustice, and evil in human society. We seek to call people to relinquish vested interests, anger and hostility, prejudice and fear. We sense deeply the societally incarnated nature of evil and seek its defeat in the power of the Lamb.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. [1 Peter 3:8]