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Page: Human Relationships

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Human Relationships

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The following principles is derived from the ancient Rule of Benedict of Nursia who lived in the fifth century and left behind a great deal of wisdom. 


Families or communities lead to individual growth and development but are also risky places. They are the environment where we learn to give and receive love. However, love costs – it demands that we share ourselves with others. Community is an antidote to unhealthy individualism which has become prevalent in the West. The Benedictine spirituality of community promotes mutual support, empowerment, teaching, and learning. It is based on love that doesn’t use or exploit the other, that doesn’t require equal payment in return, that is not emphasizing gratification of the self. To practise this love of living for others requires a total commitment to God. 

True community or family is only formed when there is sharing of purpose, values, and commitment. The mutual love needs to emanate from the same Source. The purpose of a Christian community is to witness of Christ within and without the group, to grow so that each person can become something greater than themselves, to transcend one’s individual life so that the community becomes the sacrament of human fulfilment. In community one has the opportunity to work out their connectedness to God, others, and themselves. It is in the interaction with others that our shortcomings – our ego – manifest. It is also here that we learn to control selfishness and practise love – where we are sanctified or made holy. Here too, we can afford to search, stumble, and fall, with the assurance that we’ll be helped on our way by those with more wisdom and experience. 

A well-adjusted family or community will balance bondedness with individual uniqueness and freedom. It will encourage personal expression of God-given gifts for the benefit of all. Equality and respect will be promoted towards all irrespective of age or status. Each person will have the right to be listened to and to get help as needed. All will serve and be served. This is a model for all of us in a world that has become excessively individual. 

The Vietnamese contrast hell and heaven as follows: In hell, the people have chopsticks that are one metre long so that they cannot reach their mouths. In heaven, the chopsticks are the same, but the people feed one another. 

 


Reference:
Joan Chittister, Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today (HarperSanFrancisco, 1991), chapter 4. 

Photo: Intellimon

 


Australian readers may find good values at Fishpond which sells discounted books and delivers them postage-free.

http://www.fishpond.com.au/affiliate_show_banner.php?ref=2695&affiliate_banner_id=4

 


Home
About Us
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Truth
About God
The Experience of God
The God of Grace
Amazing Grace
God's Grace and Mercy - Another View
God's Grace in Small Things
Walking with God
God's Gifts and User Manual
God's Loving Care
The Dynamic God
Our Awesome and Incomprehensible God
God, Creation and Truth
The Common Aim of all Godly Religions
Living Buddha, Living Christ
About the Bible
Bible as the Word of God
Inspiration of the Scriptures
Another Reflection on the Bible
Truth Versus Facts
The Bible at your Fingertips
Letter from a Loving God
Book About Basic Bible Teachings
About the Universe
Nature and the Universe
Life's Origin
Our Unique Planet
Mind of the Universe
The Nature of Creation and Existence
Metaphysical View of the World
Order, Beauty, and Harmony - Part 1
Order, Beauty, and Harmony - Part 2
About Humanity
Nature of Humans
Of Creators and Creations
Truth and Perceptions
Our Present State and Divine Potential
Hidden Treasure Within Us
Precious Balls of Clay
Intertwining of Humanity and Divinity
Conversion
Finding One's Mission in Life
Living with Paradox
Scripture Bell
The Potential Good Within Evil
About Health and Happiness
Key Principles for Health and Happiness
Twelve Laws of Spirit
40 Spiritual Principles
Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
Wisdom from Rumi
Aspects of Spiritual Life
First Things First
Disciplined Living
Compassion
Listening
Experiencing Joy
Each Day is a Gift
Dealing with Suffering
Living in the Present
Other Aspects of Living in the Now
Choose Life
Dealing with Change
Acceptance
Prayer
Prayer -- Another Perspective
Serenity Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer to Magnify God
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Pax -- the Peace of God's Presence
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Human Relationships
Children About Love
Inspiration from the Lives of a Godly Couple
Desiderata
References
Beauty
Skies and Seas
Glorious Sunrises
Beautiful Skies
Awesome Sunsets
Beauty of the Sea
Seaside Beauty
Trees and Flowers
Trees and Shrubs
Flowers in Bloom
Rose Garden
Beautiful Orchids
Animal Life
Australian Birds
Birds on Water and Land
Beautiful Creatures
Friendship of Kitten and Parrot
Other Animal Friendships
Parks and Gardens
Toowoomba Flower Festival
Riyadh Parks and Gardens
Spring Time
New Life
Spring Flowers
Flower Close-Ups
The Waterside
Water Edge
Water Mirrors
Artistic Expression
Art of Jindrich (Henry) Degen
Three Dogs Knowing
Beautiful Actions
The Cab Ride
Dancing in the Rain
Angel in Disguise?
Angels at Work
The Crocheted Tablecloth
Love in the Midst of Tragedy
Children's Innocence
Special Day
~ References ~
Free Downloads
God and Creation
God is Love
Identity in Christ
Love, Joy and Obedience
Nature of Truth
Thoughts about Life
Learning and Growth
Thoughts on Life and Death
Abandonment to God
Wishing You Well
Your Comments
Contact Us