performance or presence
How can we accompany one another without demanding performance in trade for our presence?
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
If one were looking for twenty-one words to shame the broken-hearted, they would need not look any further than these three verses.
Perhaps it’s the casual ease of the admonishment that underscores its use as an indictment.
These three verses, when used as admonishment, state how a person should be observed: I want to encounter you rejoicing. I want to encounter you as faithful. I want to encounter you as grateful.
When used in that way, it denies process and true being. It invites hiding. It begs us to be performative in our faith. These three verses can seem to be written for the gazer rather than suggestions from which a person can draw strength.
How can we accompany one another without demanding performance in trade for our presence?
—Dax Franklin-Hicks
We can choose how to interpret a call to rejoice always, perhaps as overwhelming, perhaps as aspirational, perhaps as inspirational. Far tougher for people new to faith, but disciples used to struggles realize life could be far worse and know the stories of amazing disciples who persevered through hardships with God's help. Experienced disciples should share without pressure these personal experiences and insights of God's love even in hard times with struggling newcomers.
My Roundup lymphoma is far easier due to prior experience with mortality and miracles of everyone surviving a friendly-fire live 500lb bomb explosion with only minor injuries, putting life in perspective. Toughest challenge is joy if severe pain, but God via science helps manage pain until cured and provides thousands of rays of light and hope, if we learn to to see our neighbor's tougher struggles, like Jesus crucified.
Helped me discover life purpose, learned lots of biology, found solutions to global problems with Quakers (equality via consensus), and could be far worse. Now, going to seminary, sharing biology (vitamin D with fat is key) and global solutions, plus getting far better at consistently rejoicing in God's love, forgiveness, provision, and inclusion of all. Takes time and practice and help from God and neighbors to keep improving, so ask as need help, as you are not alone.