Me Hostile?! (S15 Episode22)

This week marks the beginning of our new Lent series “Look Again”. I’ll also be continuing on with my mini-series inspired by Henri Nouwen’s book Reaching Out which explores the question, “What does it mean to live a life in the Spirit of Jesus Christ?” in the context of three movements of reaching out: 

1. How do we relate to our innermost self? (the movement from loneliness to solitude) 
2. How do we relate to our fellow human beings? (the movement from hostility to hospitality)
3. How do we relate to our God? (the movement from illusion to prayer)

This time, we consider our relationship with others. The life Jesus calls us to isn't lived in isolation but in community. Hostility impedes and even breaks connection, negatively affecting how we express love as we seek to serve, listen to, and care for those around us. 

Hostility is easy to find “out there” these days. But what about “in here”? Can we notice how hostility shows up in our own lives and hearts? If we can, what do we do with it? How much are our regular, natural patterns and impulses aligned with Jesus’ call? Is there a sweet spot between self-justification and self-rejection? 

Listen in as we face our own hostility - a starting point as we break down barriers in a way that may surprise you in order to create spaces of belonging and care.