Daily Meditation: The Authority of Compassion

DAILY MEDITATION The Authority of Compassion April 12 Photo courtesy of SDGimagery.com Mostly we think of people with great authority as higher up, far away, hard to reach. But spiritual authority comes from compassion and emerges from deep inner solidarity with those who are "subject" to authority. The one who is fully like us, who deeply understands our joys and pains or hopes and desires, and who is willing and able to walk with us, that is the one to whom we gladly give authority and whose "subjects" we are willing to be. It is the compassionate authority that empowers, encourages, calls forth hidden gifts, and enables great things to happen. True spiritual authorities are located in the point of an upside-down triangle, supporting and holding into the light everyone they offer their leadership to. For further reflection... "And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.  That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.  What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you --- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us." - 2 Timothy 1: 11-14 (NIV) Your response... Have you ever met anyone whose authority and compassion "empowers, encourages ... and enables great things to happen?" Comment on this Daily Meditation. Continue the Inspiration Purchase your copy of Henri Nouwen's book "Compassion".   Visit our Bookstore: United States | Canada | United Kingdom Visit our new website for inspiration, resources, news, events, community. LEARN MORE Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo. DONATE STAY CONNECTED:

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