Friday, November 12, 2021

Reflection - Number Our Days - A Painful Grace

Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 39, "A Painful Grace", Page 180.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


But as grace operates, it cannot (save through a miracle of that same grace) be other than painful.
PHOTO: But as grace operates, it cannot (save through a
miracle of that same grace) be other than painful.
- Francois Fénelon

Compassion is rare in this world; few seem to know how to respond to others' pain. We share our heartache and draw blank looks from the listener, who then begins to tell his or her story. Later, when we see those to whom we've opened our heart, they seem to have forgotten the matter that troubled us. When that happens, I think, "Perhaps he's not yet suffered enough," for suffering is the means by which we grow more compassionate and merciful toward others who are in distress.

I had the privilege of knowing one of God's most endearing saints, Dr. Oswald Sanders. On one occasion I heard him tell of a meeting at which he spoke, after which, as he was walking off-stage, he overheard one woman whisper to another, "He'll do better when he's suffered a little." So it is with all of us.

C. S. Lewis, in his Narnia chronicle, The Horse and His Boy, tells the story of a Calormen noblewoman, Aravis, and her conversion from arrogance and selfishness to humble and compassionate love.

The story begins with Aravis's escape to Narnia and the North to avoid an arranged marriage to Ahoshta Tarkaan, a repulsive, elderly tyrant. To flee, she drugs a servant girl who is in league with her wicked stepmother.

"And what happened to the girl - the one you drugged?" Shasta, her companion (the "Boy"), asks when he hears her story.

"Doubtless she was beaten for sleeping late," said Aravis coolly. "But she was a tool and spy of my stepmother's. I am very glad they should beat her."

"I say, that was hardly fair," Shasta responds in reaction to her indifference to human suffering.

Is it good to be glad that another human being suffers harm, even when they have harmed us? Should we be happy about it? No, because it's always wrong to repay evil for evil. "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing," the apostle Peter reminds us, "because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9) [197]

In Aravis's case, Aslan himself must teach her that indifference to human suffering is wrong.

In the story, a great lion attacked Aravis outside the gates of Anvard and "jabbed at Aravis with its right paw. Shasta could see all the terrible claws extended. Aravis screamed and reeled in the saddle. The lion was tearing her shoulders." Shasta was able to rescue her by driving away the beast, but Aravis's wounds were deep and painful and required much time to heal.

Much later, when Aravis and Shasta reached Narnia, Aslan called the young princess to him: "Draw near, Aravis my daughter. See! My paws are velveted (soften). You will not be torn this time."

"This time, sir?" said Aravis.

"It was I who wounded you," said Aslan. "I am the only lion you met in all your journeyings. Do you know why I tore you?

"No, sir."

"The scratches on your back, tear for tear, throb for throb, blood for blood, were equal to the stripes laid on the back of your stepmother's slave because of the drugged sleep you cast upon her. You needed to know what it felt like."

It's always wrong to take pleasure in another person's pain, even when that person has wronged us deeply. Aslan does not argue his case; he simply shows Aravis that her gloating is wrong. Now she knows what her servant girl felt like, for she herself has felt great pain.

This is a picture of the mercy of God: in His love He allows us to experience profound suffering so that we may grow in humility, tenderness, and mercy. Our pain, however severe, is a means of grace. It is meant to make us kinder, more compassionate children.


But as grace operates, it cannot (save through a
miracle of that same grace) be other than painful.
- Francois Fénelon


But as grace operates, it cannot (save through a miracle of that same grace) be other than painful.
PHOTO: But as grace operates, it cannot (save through a miracle of that same grace) be other than painful. - Francois Fénelon
Picture posted by Reclaim Therapy
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEFobdbhRvGZLyw2Dg44DyQWh7c3rfWrq42VWrO7jCowtqNUp5386KTtvZ1R1diVXkKBC0BwbZI2SJg7g0xuD8pW62JwlYrbRIk-GggW-AScJOe7hZfvDtMNQAEvz44iO9qsNsMUQPqmr1T8aWtxV_vAYR8pbdMvYPg9_SdzAqSazbkexOhe8MuUEi=s1080
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57f3c58b725e25e8e668e7fc/1626714087091-QXYNGD4D30W6VSQMAGSX/Woman+sitting+on+ground+%7C+counseling+strategies+for+loss+and+grief+in+pennsylvania+%7C+grief+therapy+%7C+grief+counseling+in+pennsylvania+%7C+grief+counseling+near+me+%7C+grief+therapist+%7C+Philadelphia+19019+%7C+Pittsburg+15201+%7C+Lancaster+17601
https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/grief-counseling-horsham-pennsylvania


Compassion is rare in this world; few seem to know how to respond to others' pain. We share our heartache and draw blank looks from the listener, who then begins to tell his or her story. Later, when we see those to whom we've opened our heart, they seem to have forgotten the matter that troubled us. When that happens, I think, "Perhaps he's not yet suffered enough," for suffering is the means by which we grow more compassionate and merciful toward others who are in distress.


Compassion is rare in this world; few seem to know how to respond to others' pain.
PHOTO: Compassion is rare in this world; few seem to know how to respond to others' pain. We share our heartache and draw blank looks from the listener, who then begins to tell his or her story. Later, when we see those to whom we've opened our heart, they seem to have forgotten the matter that troubled us.
Suffering is the means by which we grow more compassionate and merciful toward others who are in distress.
Picture posted by Dr. Jim Taylor
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrbZOgqxdWRja1l6nuiUGnCDhgClHVtXTpvFU5vEi9fZTpvHlye4VKWquUBe2AtDWdJgGWMxgPOhvMmt9VuSYq-dUbpJm5-Qec0-CATb6wJ8bWqBkup2kBarE7fGPq7V5mQTDZWonJ-qciG4q2FeQpqIBUHeZevMbSjX6frBsi9_6HPJLhqIyLCzQy=s1600
https://www.drjimtaylor.com/4.0/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/compassion01.jpg
https://www.drjimtaylor.com/4.0/compassion-childrens-admirable-quality/


I had the privilege of knowing one of God's most endearing saints, Dr. Oswald Sanders. On one occasion I heard him tell of a meeting at which he spoke, after which, as he was walking off-stage, he overheard one woman whisper to another, "He'll do better when he's suffered a little." So it is with all of us.


People may whisper to another about us,
PHOTO: People may whisper to another about us, "He'll do better when he's suffered a little." So it is with all of us.
Picture posted by Guilford Psychological Services
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0jBKk6_wSiVH3O3PB6lSuc07Js57qYb8rrfjsVKZ6OS4Hpj01JuF9hpPF1La7yvJRJMU751o5VSId5jow9udTTQa8nWzbBEp7MOKQIK3LCzaR_QUQNDSQVTUd-luYivh2zp_OcKU93YoSYtzl9ba9pZPaNM0_IVuGtA3ffivz-q67w48B_H9_kJEP=s2048
https://guilfordpsychologicalservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/AdobeStock_54232072.jpeg
https://guilfordpsychologicalservices.com/twenty-something-troubled-therapy-can-help/sad-teenager-sitting-alone/


C. S. Lewis, in his Narnia chronicle, The Horse and His Boy, tells the story of a Calormen noblewoman, Aravis, and her conversion from arrogance and selfishness to humble and compassionate love.

The story begins with Aravis's escape to Narnia and the North to avoid an arranged marriage to Ahoshta Tarkaan, a repulsive, elderly tyrant. To flee, she drugs a servant girl who is in league with her wicked stepmother.


C. S. Lewis, in his Narnia chronicle, The Horse and His Boy, tells the story of a Calormen noblewoman, Aravis, and her conversion from arrogance and selfishness to humble and compassionate love.
PHOTO: C. S. Lewis, in his Narnia chronicle, The Horse and His Boy, tells the story of a Calormen noblewoman, Aravis, and her conversion from arrogance and selfishness to humble and compassionate love.
Picture posted by Virtual Brush Box on 02 September 2012
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhelmPdpmUV4z8G95LX1vRoCYyolGDvHLHKWFe7cUhtDMKHv0Z5W-UQXVuoPeJujILGkrXMiGpKMXJgdGs557uQSVxSA45W9YFaodHHurDZhI8Rv1a0sMIqqaMzOFcPu-xsp90BPj-3wo_UF9fGKx-rSC7H4IJbg7xN2WxNWyeUAB2TAbaS-tKcu-oT=s2048
https://rodneyssaga.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/hhb13.jpg
https://rodneyssaga.com/2012/09/02/fantasy-cover-art-horse-his-boy/


"And what happened to the girl - the one you drugged?" Shasta, her companion (the "Boy"), asks when he hears her story.

"Doubtless she was beaten for sleeping late," said Aravis coolly. "But she was a tool and spy of my stepmother's. I am very glad they should beat her."

"I say, that was hardly fair," Shasta responds in reaction to her indifference to human suffering.


Aravis drugged a servant girl who is in league with her wicked stepmother.
PHOTO: Aravis drugged a servant girl who is in league with her wicked stepmother. The servant girl was beaten for sleeping late, which was hardly fair.
Picture posted by SciencephotoLibrary
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnPy_-UcfqgsqTV0wct5ubFpJk_8UkuD_Syr9wDOcBQW-f-Nhe287kUIafwr5yF8aD0nQ3N2kb5ZY12nLUJJigXZcXEr6VCMZ0wSEc_REfu5jI6GRlc7eNtf8Ss27_BM83NyATvU1NdAdO0E6yYMPMb8iDSlyeeS9LhGg0vT_rzXPIOf83ICSu7kn9=s1200
https://media.sciencephoto.com/image/c0465604/800wm/C0465604-Woman_lying_on_the_floor_after_being_beaten.jpg
https://static4.libertatea.ro/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/abuz-vrancea-profimedia.jpg
https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/1036924/view/woman-lying-on-the-floor-after-being-beaten


Is it good to be glad that another human being suffers harm, even when they have harmed us? Should we be happy about it? No, because it's always wrong to repay evil for evil. "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing," the apostle Peter reminds us, "because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9) [197]

In Aravis's case, Aslan himself must teach her that indifference to human suffering is wrong.


Is it good to be glad that another human being suffers harm, even when they have harmed us?
PHOTO: Is it good to be glad that another human being suffers harm, even when they have harmed us? Should we be happy about it? No, because it's always wrong to repay evil for evil. "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing," the apostle Peter reminds us, "because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9)
Picture posted by Shutterstock
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjetpT1ym-KIfxEOo11na-tCiWhhfi01PlOQQ6QAwTnApPW8GFrg4PCU0pGz4e8d16zx9v_0Ku2pO3YBlKsBuTFtNdqJDMYXLzjTQppYjo5zO7k0yXYLlh5YZq38oEX65UUDqCILQEk_aSIQD79XKk4HxKTvLNj4HStA6bVNxNUp4b6cwWui22zPAFo=s2048
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https://www.shutterstock.com/sv/image-photo/one-beautiful-girl-kidnapped-by-bad-1129326434


In the story, a great lion attacked Aravis outside the gates of Anvard and "jabbed at Aravis with its right paw. Shasta could see all the terrible claws extended. Aravis screamed and reeled in the saddle. The lion was tearing her shoulders." Shasta was able to rescue her by driving away the beast, but Aravis's wounds were deep and painful and required much time to heal.


In the story, a great lion attacked Aravis outside the gates of Anvard
PHOTO: In the story, a great lion attacked Aravis outside the gates of Anvard and "jabbed at Aravis with its right paw. Shasta could see all the terrible claws extended. Aravis screamed and reeled in the saddle. The lion was tearing her shoulders." Shasta was able to rescue her by driving away the beast, but Aravis's wounds were deep and painful and required much time to heal.
Picture posted by Fiat Lux on 20 July 2012 - C.S. Lewis's Narnia tale "The Horse and His Boy."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4zBAzdyQtG6slhzxduOqNVq2gtseV7MUKQX9cEsK24ZbYK9U7ZbaLOpEcMhZIddFmTf7MgS3e3freCf7SBZJ7cZPUzqE_ghO1vxTZo6o0A-MHYDTYIHs_Vf7MI9J3grT3SDZHoX94Pmmab89SG-lJslVWW4sMan3iq5ADy4oPujGosqEAK8VfmINt=s1000
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWP7iyxf0eX7M2OIq0Jz49PJLlB_JFJ6gLpX5fMaJKCJSyMztpp3H4HHud1EylrjhcOUfsA-AEj4ggJZ_cOxk9BJdZnA8EcPmF7WoOTrH0bJ4TcjbJr_R5M0g_ra2gK4KlmEbFgwbOVQc/s500/drawings_narnia_horse_boy01.jpg
https://kwlowery.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/drawings_narnia_horse_boy01.jpg
https://kwlowery.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/friday-quote-the-horse-and-his-boy/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/08/reflection-number-our-days-from-ground.html


Much later, when Aravis and Shasta reached Narnia, Aslan called the young princess to him: "Draw near, Aravis my daughter. See! My paws are velveted (soften). You will not be torn this time."

"This time, sir?" said Aravis.

"It was I who wounded you," said Aslan. "I am the only lion you met in all your journeyings. Do you know why I tore you?

"No, sir."

"The scratches on your back, tear for tear, throb for throb, blood for blood, were equal to the stripes laid on the back of your stepmother's slave because of the drugged sleep you cast upon her. You needed to know what it felt like."


Much later, when Aravis and Shasta reached Narnia, Aslan called the young princess to him
PHOTO: Much later, when Aravis and Shasta reached Narnia, Aslan called the young princess to him: "Draw near, Aravis my daughter. See! My paws are velveted (soften). You will not be torn this time.
The scratches on your back, tear for tear, throb for throb, blood for blood, were equal to the stripes laid on the back of your stepmother's slave because of the drugged sleep you cast upon her. You needed to know what it felt like."
Picture posted by aabdcpro.com - for illustration, from C. S. Lewis's The Silver Chair
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/09/reflection-number-our-days-river-runs.html


It's always wrong to take pleasure in another person's pain, even when that person has wronged us deeply. Aslan does not argue his case; he simply shows Aravis that her gloating is wrong. Now she knows what her servant girl felt like, for she herself has felt great pain.


It's always wrong to take pleasure in another person's pain, even when that person has wronged us deeply.
PHOTO: It's always wrong to take pleasure in another person's pain, even when that person has wronged us deeply. Aslan does not argue his case; he simply shows Aravis that her gloating is wrong. Now she knows what her servant girl felt like, for she herself has felt great pain.
Picture posted by iStock, Getty Images
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This is a picture of the mercy of God: in His love He allows us to experience profound suffering so that we may grow in humility, tenderness, and mercy. Our pain, however severe, is a means of grace. It is meant to make us kinder, more compassionate children.


This is a picture of the mercy of God: in His love He allows us to experience profound suffering so that we may grow in humility, tenderness, and mercy.
PHOTO: This is a picture of the mercy of God: in His love He allows us to experience profound suffering so that we may grow in humility, tenderness, and mercy. Our pain, however severe, is a means of grace. It is meant to make us kinder, more compassionate children.
Picture posted by Jenny Jones
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Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that compassion is rare in this world; few seem to know how to respond to others' pain. We share our heartache and draw blank looks from the listener, who then begins to tell his or her story. Later, when we see those to whom we've opened our heart, they seem to have forgotten the matter that troubled us. When that happens, we think, ‘Perhaps he's not yet suffered enough,’ for suffering is the means by which we grow more compassionate and merciful toward others who are in distress.

People may whisper to another, ‘He'll do better when he's suffered a little.’ So, it is with all of us.

We also learn that it is not good to be glad that another human being suffers harm, even when they have harmed us. We shouldn’t be happy about it because it's always wrong to repay evil for evil.

We are reminded not to repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing by the apostle Peter. ‘Because to this we were called so that we may inherit a blessing’.

We pray that we learn that indifference to human suffering is wrong. Because we could be subjected to ‘tear for tear, throb for throb, blood for blood’. We must remember that it's always wrong to take pleasure in another person's pain, even when that person has wronged us deeply. Or we may get to feel how the sufferer felt like, just as in the Narnia chronicle.

May we learn that this is a picture of the mercy of God: in His love He allows us to experience profound suffering so that we may grow in humility, tenderness, and mercy. Our pain, however severe, is a means of grace. It is meant to make us kinder, more compassionate children.

May we begin our conversion from arrogance and selfishness to humble and compassionate love.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by shproton on 14 August 2015 - Rapunzel cosplay
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Reflection - Number Our Days - A Painful Grace
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 39, "A Painful Grace", Page 180.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.


Other Books

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 39, "A Painful Grace", Page 180-183.

[197] 1 Peter 3:9


Links


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