April 20, 2024

The SEND U Blog

Reflections and Resources for Lifelong Learning for Missionaries

Tag: action

Exploring Spiritual Formation: Empathy
Photo by Annie Spratt
Spiritual Formation

Exploring Spiritual Formation: Empathy

Jesus and the Disciples Perhaps you will find this odd, but, one of my favorite stories about Jesus is found in Matthew 15, where, responding to Peter’s request for an explanation of a parable, Jesus says: “Are you still so dull?” It makes me laugh every time I read it. There are more passages that describe the disciples’ cluelessness—including two in which Jesus again confronts the disciples about their lack of understanding. And there are other people who also don’t understand Jesus at times, including Jesus’ parents, Nicodemus, and the crowd. But none of those passages use the Greek word translated in the New International Version as “dull.”… Read the whole post
Lynn Karidis3 mins read
Exploring Spiritual Formation: Discipline
Character, Finishing Well, Spiritual Formation, Training, Spiritual Disciplines

Exploring Spiritual Formation: Discipline

The Problem I hate discipline. But I love what it does for me. When I see the word, I think of how I felt each time my parents punished me for my transgressions. Yet those episodes helped me learn right from wrong. And when I heard the gospel, I knew I was a sinner in need of a Savior. Though it was painful to admit my sin, I’ve loved what repentance and seeking the forgiveness of God have done for my life. Despite the benefits of discipline, the word itself can cause discomfort. As I talk with others about engaging in the spiritual disciplines, many say they feel an inner resistance to the concept due to the connotations of the word. There is, however, more to discipline than punishment. Here is a brief review of some concepts attached to “discipline.”… Read the whole post
Lynn Karidis2 mins read
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