Enduring Principles  | |
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For Further Reflection and
Discussion
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The author says, “Grace, like love, is best not
commanded but left to the discretion of persons involved.” Examine the
qualities that grace and love hold in common with each other.
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The author speaks of bargaining with each other and with
God. The Bible holds many such stories of people negotiating with God.
Discuss a few. What were the outcomes?
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What is the difference between bargaining with another
person and bargaining with our Creator?
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Danny Belrose says generosity’s “governing spirit is not
formulas but thankfulness.” What implication does that have for our
tithing? For giving of our time and talents?
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The story provides a wonderful example of grace and
generosity blending in the baptism of a boy. How do you see those
qualities working together in other sacraments?
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What is the difference between being grateful and being
generous? If grateful people derive the many benefits listed in the
story, then why do so many people practice generosity and gratitude so
loosely?
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Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 strongly links grace and
generosity: “Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of
generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of
return.” What connects these two? How do we link them in our corporate
church life? In our private life?
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The acts of bestowing grace and practicing generosity
require a giver and a receiver. Which role is easiest to fill? Why?
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In his April 5 address to the church, President Steve
Veazey asked, “What is our understanding of the spiritual relationship
between God’s grace, the gift of the gospel, discipleship, generosity,
and church mission?” Examine the pursuits to which you apply the
majority of your personal and congregational resources (time, talent,
dollars).
Can you identify some behavioral changes that will help you live out the
understanding that “the heart of the gospel revealed in Christ is about
compassionate, generous living that mirrors the generous nature of God?”
Discernment Activity
Find a comfortable place to sit in prayer. Slowly take a
few deep breaths and let them gently release. Imagine yourself
surrounded and cushioned by God’s light. Let it seep through the top of
your head into your body and fill your whole being. Simply rest for a
few minutes, letting yourself feel welcomed by God.
Take a few moments and allow memories to emerge of times when the
generosity of others brought you grace. Rest briefly in each one.
Without trying to make anything happen, become aware of one memory that
begins to stand out. Let that moment of generosity and grace come to
life again in your imagination through whatever senses you can engage.
See, hear, and sense as many details as you can.
After resting fully in the experience of generosity, ask, “How did this
act of generosity and grace impact my life?” Let any responses or images
emerge, then prayerfully give thanks for all involved in your
experience.
Now, while still enfolded in God’s light and love, listen for a sense of
invitation to a particular expression of compassion and generosity. How
do you sense God inviting you over the next few days to offer generosity
to another? Without trying to make anything happen, listen deeply,
breathe, and wait.
Offer a prayer of gratitude to God for the time in prayer and the
awareness offered. Write down the invitation you sensed and keep it near
as you go through the coming few days. Notice how this invitation is
lived out.
(Some people find prayers that use the imagination difficult. They do
not see pictures in their mind and feel frustrated by the instructions
to bring an image to life. It is not necessary to actually see the
images. Simply relax into the experience and allow whatever does come to
emerge. There may be a feeling, a simple sense of knowing, or a memory
without images. You might not see the color blue, but just “know” there
is blue. All of these ways of imagining are appropriate and effective in
accomplishing deeper listening.)
—Donna Sperry
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