Healing Rays of Righteousness

“Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” These are the words of Jesus in response to a request that he intervene in a family squabble regarding the dividing of an inheritance. (Lk. 12:15). 

Jesus then reinforces his warning with a story of a rich man who experienced an abundant harvest and due to insufficient storage space decided to “tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I will say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.’” (Lk. 12:18-19).         

The “rich man” of Jesus’ parable was concerned with no one’s life and opinion except his own.  His only point of reference was himself and his crops, his barns, his pleasure, his supposedly unlimited future.  As the center of his own universe, he gave no thought to any ethical responsibility toward others or accountability to God.  He had little concern for anything but himself and his possessions.  He was blind to all that happened around him and blind to the needs of others.

It is because of this blindness that Jesus’ words are relevant to both the man who came requesting Jesus’ intervention and to us claiming to be Jesus’ followers. “But God said to him, ‘You fool!’ This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”                                                                                         

Jesus is not condemning possessions, nor prudent preparation for the future. Many other scriptures would such efforts.  Rather, Jesus is condemning the spirit of covetousness which concludes that meaning in life and joy in life are the result of having things. 

Covetousness is more than just wanting something.  It is the deep-seated belief that accumulating things is the way to life and happiness.  But Jesus teaches that a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.  And other teachings of Jesus tell us that neither does it consist in an abundance of accomplishments, applause, or self-indulgence. 

Jesus addresses the rich farmer who decided to build bigger barns “You fool.”  Why? Because he lived life, made decisions, as if there were no God.   

To conclude that there is no God leaves one to their own resources and blinds the person to any recognition of their blessing’s source or responsibility to share with others. In both Psalms 14:1 and 53:1, the psalmist writes, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds (ways) are vile; there is no one who does good.” 

The hurts and needs of others are shut out of the fool’s mind and heart because they compete for what the fool desires for him/herself.  Such people lay-up treasures for themselves, rather than becoming rich toward God, and the consequences are very grim.

Remember the story recorded in Matthew 19:16-22.  “Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’ …….  ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’  When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”  

The bigger barns for accumulating earthly things/treasures being built by so many who call themselves Christian reveals a serious failure of understanding Jesus’ call to lay up heavenly treasures.  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21). 

The ultimate truth is that all we are and have ultimately belongs to God, and as stewards, we need to give God a daily accounting of the use of our time, gifts, and energy. 

To become “rich toward God” followers of Jesus, we must learn to think of ourselves as laborers in our master’s fields, rather than as private landowners answerable to no one.  The harvest belongs to Christ, not to us, and he calls us to use the resources given us to help in caring for others, and in this way glorify Him in this world.  May God help us to do so!

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – September 1, 2023

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Ray M. Geigley

Twenty-one years ago, July 16, 2002, Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan was testifying before a U.S. Senate committee and said, “It is not that humans have become any more greedy than in generations past. It is that the avenues to express greed have grown so enormously.”

That was twenty-one years ago, July 16, 2002, and since then “the avenues to express greed” have grown even more rapidly.

Because our society constantly entices us with its preoccupation with “getting,” we often fail to hear God’s invitation to experience the freeing truth of “giving.” The apostle Paul urges us to remember, in everything we do, the words of Jesus; “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35).

And when he felt the Christians at Corinth were becoming less enthusiastic about giving an offering to help the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem, he reminded them of the example set by their fellow believers in Macedonia; “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. … Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.”

And then he challenges them; “But since you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you – see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:2-7).

Paul also believed that joy-filled giving should be based on the self-giving example of Christ. “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (v. 9).

Furthermore, Paul says, the Macedonian Christians had taken Christ’s model, and in total disregard for their present needs or future requirements, they gave “beyond their ability.”  Theirs was a sacrificial offering that was voluntarily and joyfully given, and it became an inspiration for Christians everywhere.

And finally, Paul tells us that joy-filled giving flows from the gift of self. His statement that they “first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (v. 5) gives us the clue to their generosity. There is a sense in which the only thing I can really give to God is myself, and this is the gift that needs to come first. Those who give their money but not their hearts have made a lesser gift.

The story is told of a missionary who was witnessing to the chief of a very primitive Indian tribe. In response the chief tried to impress the missionary with gifts of horses, blankets, and jewelry. But the missionary said, “My God does not want the chief’s horses or blankets or jewelry. My God wants the chief himself.” Then the chief smiled and said, “You have a very wise God, for when I give him myself he also gets horses and blankets and jewelry.”    

Amazingly, the chief had a better understanding of total life commitment than many who call themselves “Christian” do today.

Along with the Corinthian Christians, we, too, are called upon to share out of the abundance that we have received. It is not enough in God’s eyes that we excel in faith, speech, knowledge, enthusiasm, and in love for others apart from joy-filled giving. This is a stern challenge to us in a world obsessed with “getting” for myself all that I can.

With God-given wisdom, Solomon wrote, “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT).

I wonder whether the apostle Paul, if he were writing to our church today, would say, “Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in knowledge and wisdom, in teaching, in music, in fellowship, in a commitment to justice—so I want you to also excel in generous giving with joy.”

Jesus gave up everything, even life, to redeem us. And in doing so, he has set us free to respond with the same sacrificial love in sharing with the less fortunate. By this, we show and confirm the depth and genuineness of our love for Christ and others. May we daily stretch for this JOY.

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 25, 2023

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Ray M. Geigley

John MacArthur, a popular religious writer of the recent past wrote, “We live obviously in a society that knows little about forgiveness. We live in a society that cares little about forgiveness. In fact, I would think that one of the major contributors if not the major contributor to the destruction of relationships in our culture is the absence of forgiveness.”

In last week’s blog, I urged us to build bridges of acceptance and reconciliation rather than fences, separating ourselves from others with whom we disagree or do not like. Such bridges are never easy to build and must be built with the right kind of lumber.

It is biblical to think of the bridge’s beams and flooring being “forgiveness” wood. This is the same sturdy, enduring wood that built the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Hanging on that cross and with the words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” Jesus built an amazing bridge of grace and forgiveness, because he loved us and wanted to reconcile us to himself.

We see in Jesus’ crucifixion how building a “forgiveness bridge” to another can be very painful and sacrificial. But we also know from Jesus’ life and teaching that it is the only bridge that can adequately cross the divide and make possible a reconciliation between us and others.

Building a “forgiveness bridge” may appear too difficult or impossible. But Corrie ten Boom offers a different perspective. She likens “forgiveness” to simply letting go of the bell rope.

Corrie ten Boom reminds us that if we ever have seen a country church with a bell in the steeple, we will remember that to get the bell ringing we need to tug awhile. Once the bell has begun to ring, we merely maintain the momentum by continuing to pull the rope. As long as we keep pulling, the bell keeps ringing. And likewise, it is with “forgiveness.”

Corrie says, “Forgiveness is letting go of the rope. It is just that simple. But, when you do so, the bell keeps ringing. Momentum is still at work. However, if you keep your hands off the rope, the bell will begin to slow and eventually stop. It is like that with forgiveness. When you decide to forgive, the old feelings of unforgiveness may continue to assert themselves. After all, they have lots of momentum. But if you affirm your decision to forgive, that unforgiving spirit will begin to slow and will eventually be still. Forgiveness is not something you feel, it is something you do. It is letting go of the rope of retribution.”

Most importantly, Jesus makes it clear that the “forgiveness bridge” we build to cross over, accepting and restoring relationship with the other, is the same bridge that he, Jesus, will cross over in returning to forgive and reconcile us to himself. Many Christians seem ignorant of this critical teaching from Jesus.

When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he included this phrase; “And forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who sin against us).”

Then Jesus adds this emphasis to the above request for forgiveness; “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” There is a loud “if” in his teaching.

And again, Jesus emphasizes this “if” in his answer to Peter’s question, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” After telling a parable about an unmerciful servant, Jesus concludes with his answer, This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:21-35).

There is no wiggle room in Jesus’ response to Peter’s question as Peter had hoped. Nor does Jesus limit the need to forgive only to those who commit unjust or violent (sinful) behavior toward us. Why? Because God regards all contentious, divisive arguments and behaviors as sinful. This is clearly heard in his several commands to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love and do good to our enemies?

This is how the apostle Paul understood Jesus’ teachings, as seen in his letter to the Ephesian Christians, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). And to the Christians in Colosssae, “Bear with each other and forgive one another is any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13).

Because God created us uniquely different human beings, we are prone to disagree with the beliefs and/or behaviors of others. And our defensive arguments frequently cause us to build fences that divide and disassociate us from others, rather than build bridges of forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation. Why? What if Jesus treated us that way?

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 11, 2023

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Ray M. Geigley

I am reminded of the young man who stopped at a farmhouse asking for work. The farmer asked of his occupation, which was carpentry. At first the farmer said he had no work. Then, pointing across the road to the neighboring farm, he said, “That is where my brother lives and we have become bitter enemies. He even took a bulldozer and cut a stream from the reservoir through the pasture between us. I will hire you to take that lumber by the barn and build an eight-foot-high solid fence between us, so that I do not need to be looking at him.”

The farmer went to town for the day, and the young man went to work. When the farmer returned, instead of a fence, he saw a beautiful bridge across the stream, with handrails and all. At first, he was angry, but then he saw his brother walking down the hill to the bridge with his arms outstretched. As he walked to meet him, his younger brother called out, “You are a special brother, to think that you would build a bridge so that we can get together!” As the carpenter was walking away, the farmer called, “Hey, where are you going?”  The man answered, “I’m going to build other bridges!”

Bridges open us up to inviting and strengthening relationships with others. Fences restrict, shut out, and weaken relationships with others. Bridges lead to new vistas, adventures, and unlimited possibilities. Fences isolate and protect stuff with non-disturbing sameness and limited possibilities.

Behavioral studies consistently show that much of human anxiety is caused by an egocentric, neurotic need to have others agree with us. These same studies also tell us that the dynamics of every healthy people grouping, whether it be church, community, or nation, includes lively disagreement.

Furthermore, to presume that others need us to correct them, but that we do not need them to correct us is to assign to ourselves an omniscience that belongs only to Almighty God. The “loyal opposition” is needed to keep us from getting too comfortable with our limiting, narrow, and selfishly blurred visions.

In his book, Life Together, the German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoffer writes about Christian community and warned that “He who can no longer listen to his brother will soon be no longer listening to God, either; he will be doing nothing but prattle in the presence of God too.”

I cannot understand how those who call themselves Christian can hold to a view of community that is more totalitarian than biblical, and fixes its eyes on another with a cold look and says, “If you do not agree with us, get out. Go somewhere else. You do not belong here.”

Such attitudes and actions toward those with whom we disagree never happened when Jesus walked this earth and neither should they happen in His Kingdom-oriented church on this earth. Did not Jesus say that the second greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself”?

I urge us all, as the church of Jesus Christ, the family of God on this earth, to repent and seek to build bridges of loving acceptance and respectful listening in our walking together with all people. Let us build bridges, seeking common ground and guidance in making a better world for all its inhabitants.

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 3, 2023

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Ray M. Geigley

In Psalm 16, David, the shepherd boy and now King David, writes a testimony regarding his relationship with God. The theme of this short psalm is focused on the special joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God. Listen for them as I read, beginning in verse 5.

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”

Please note that this deep sense of contentment flows from David’s sense of security expressed in verse 8.           “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

A few chapters later, Psalm 23, David enlarges these joys and benefits with more detailed, descriptive language. Listen carefully as I read.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

In these psalms I hear King David giving thanks and praise for God’s ever-loving presence, never-failing provision, and ever-strong protection. And I understand King David saying that these special joys and benefits of a relationship with God are for now and eternity.

This does not mean that all the places of our heritage were pleasant.  Nor does it discount or diminish the difficult struggles in our life’s “cup” of relationships and circumstances. But to say that “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” is to acknowledge that the presence, provision, and protection of God transforms even those difficult places into times of special blessing. 

These “God gifts” often loom larger in retrospect than what is seen in the present moment. When we are young, we feel wise and strong, taking life by the tail for our purposes and enjoyment. But then we soon discover that the table has turned, and that now life has taken us by the tail and is swinging us around until we are dizzy with doubts and fears.

It is in these times of doubt, defeat, and darkness, that we need to turn to God and hear him inviting us to come to him and rest in his loving presence, protection, and provision.

And when we do, we find a table spread with all the good things of heaven to nourish and strengthen our relationship with God. And that gracious table is set right in the midst of our enemies, both physical and spiritual.

The realization that all our life has been and is being blessed by God’s gracious presence and love for us, will cause us to echo the psalmist’s joyous praise, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” 

Reading this testimony of King David reminds me of the southern mountain woman who had chiseled in rough and uneven letters this epitaph on her husband’s tombstone: “He always appreciated.”  I hope that the same tribute can be said about me and you after our deaths.

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 27, 2023

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

In Psalm 16, David, the shepherd boy and now King David, writes a testimony regarding his relationship with God. The theme of this short psalm is focused on the special joys and benefits of a life lived in companionship with God. Listen for them as I read, beginning in verse 5.

“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”

Please note that this deep sense of contentment flows from David’s sense of security expressed in verse 8.           “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

A few chapters later, Psalm 23, David enlarges these joys and benefits with more detailed, descriptive language. Listen carefully as I read.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

In these psalms I hear King David giving thanks and praise for God’s ever-loving presence, never-failing provision, and ever-strong protection. And I understand King David saying that these special joys and benefits of a relationship with God are for now and eternity.

This does not mean that all the places of our heritage were pleasant.  Nor does it discount or diminish the difficult struggles in our life’s “cup” of relationships and circumstances. But to say that “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” is to acknowledge that the presence, provision, and protection of God transforms even those difficult places into times of special blessing. 

These “God gifts” often loom larger in retrospect than what is seen in the present moment. When we are young, we feel wise and strong, taking life by the tail for our purposes and enjoyment. But then we soon discover that the table has turned, and that now life has taken us by the tail and is swinging us around until we are dizzy with doubts and fears.

It is in these times of doubt, defeat, and darkness, that we need to turn to God and hear him inviting us to come to him and rest in his loving presence, protection, and provision.

And when we do, we find a table spread with all the good things of heaven to nourish and strengthen our relationship with God. And that gracious table is set right in the midst of our enemies, both physical and spiritual.

The realization that all our life has been and is being blessed by God’s gracious presence and love for us, will cause us to echo the psalmist’s joyous praise, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” 

Reading this testimony of King David reminds me of the southern mountain woman who had chiseled in rough and uneven letters this epitaph on her husband’s tombstone: “He always appreciated.”  I hope that the same tribute can be said about me and you after our deaths.

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 27, 2023

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

Earlier this week my wife and I celebrated our 64^th wedding anniversary. As I was designing and writing an Anniversary card for her, the phrases “marriage bliss” and “blissful marriage” came to mind as appropriate phrases to summarize our many memories of wedded life.

Since I had not heard these phrases being used for many years, I became curious as to what they were describing and opened my two dictionaries for information. This is what I discovered; “Bliss – perfect happiness; great joy; a state of spiritual blessedness. “Bliss – serene happiness; the ecstasy of salvation; spiritual joy; a sense of great delight or happiness. “Blissful – extremely happy; full of joy.

I was surprised and somewhat awed by these definitions and how much they described what I was feeling, as well as describing the joy that Jesus’ promised us. Listen to Jesus words as John recorded them in his Gospel; “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”(Jn. 15:9-11).

When Jesus is invited into our life and experiences, he comes to enable us to experience fullness of joy in whatever the circumstance or situation – whether it is failure, disappointment, or trouble. Christ’s fervent desire for us is “that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

And then I wondered could “blissful” also be a more appropriate understanding of Jesus’ use of the word “blessed” in his sermon beatitudes? (Mt. 5:3-12).

Gentlemen, do you remember that day, that moment when your bride walked down the aisle and you stepped forward and took her hand in marriage? Ladies, what were you feeling as he did so?

I remember that day and moment with joyous excitement and anticipation. But what happened in that moment of committing our love for one another, was significantly enlarged and enriched during the 64 years of joy and sadness, laughter and tears, good health and painful illnesses and losses. Today I recall these many memories and gratefully thank God that our love commitment to one another produced in us the joyous fruit of “marriage bliss.”

However, such pondering leads me to question if I can rightly summarize my journey with God as a “blissful marriage” relationship since making my baptismal vows of love for him? Can you?

Whether it be my relationship with God or with my wife, the joy of “marriage bliss” is supernatural in its source and essence in both relationships. Perfect and complete joy is God’s gift of being in relationship with him. Yes, this joy is his diamond-studded wedding band on our finger. Are you wearing it?

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 12, 2023

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Ray M. Geigley

I have been to Niagara Falls and heard the awesome roaring power of water as it cascades over the edge of the riverbed to the rocks far below. I have felt the power of jet engines as they lift the large plane, filled with cargo and passengers, into the skies. I have seen the angry power of tornado winds as they shred and scatter everything in its path. I have seen the deadly power of fire as it sweeps across hill and valley consuming everything caught in its raging fury.

Unfortunately, I have heard, seen, and felt a more deadly power being wielded by an uncontrolled tongue. Yes, the tongue is a small part of our body, but is most likely the most powerful part, capable of speaking words of gracious healing and reconciliation or of grievous hurt and suffering. And the Scriptures consistently declare that it is every person’s responsibility to control it.

I remember the saying we learned as children. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me.” Even though the saying was meant to encourage steadfastness in the face of ridicule or intimidation, it does not survive the test of truth. I have learned that even though words, however hateful and demeaning they may be, usually do not cause physical harm to our bodies, they can do considerably more damage to our personhood than sticks and stones. Most bodily injuries heal over time. Sometimes the injury will require some medical attention, such as a bandage, stitches, or maybe even a cast or surgery. But eventually, if we are healthy, the physical injury will heal completely.

However, words that are spoken in anger or hatred and without thought or respect for the other, most likely will do damage that may never heal. Most of us have been called a derogatory name or have had someone say things that were not true about us. And the pain we feel is very real and lasting.

Unfortunately, many of us have also been on the other side, being judgmental and speaking unkindly, berating the character or actions of another. Weakened and blinded by heated disagreement or prejudiced opinion, we can easily forget that our tongue is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” In the tense moments of debate, we can easily forget the need to control our tongue and use it as an instrument of enhanced healing rather than a weapon of fire.

The Scriptures declare that our words do have a wonderful power to heal. The book of Proverbs shares several insights about the power of words to heal and build one another up. “Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up” (Pr. 12:25). “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Pr. 15:1a). “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Pr. 16:24).

James, the brother of Jesus, writes in his letter, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (1:26). Then in chapter 3, James uses very descriptive language to describe our tongue and its power to bless or destroy, in his effort to help us to better understand the urgent and constant need to control what we say. And in verses 9-10, he summarizes “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” 

Think about those three precious words, “I love you.”  When these words are spoken at the right moment, they can lift our spirits and make us forget our anxieties and difficulties. Think about some other phrases like: “I care about you; I have been thinking about you; I have been praying for you.”  Indeed, such words have a wonderful power to heal and lift broken spirits.

Also consider the power in giving a compliment or speaking words of encouragement. Such words contain tremendous healing powers. I encourage myself and you toward being more diligent in controlling our tongue to do so, and to always remember James’ admonition. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20).

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – July 7, 2023

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

In situations of illness where there is no cure and usually no miracles, there is a harsh reality for both the sufferer and their caregivers. As a chaplain, I know it is an emotional and physical challenge to stay connected to, minister to, and support the dying person and their family through what is frequently a prolonged dying process.

Working in a large retirement community for ten years and with hospice prior to that, I have ministered as chaplain, friend, and comforter to many a dying person and their family during the slow journey toward the moment of death and separation. I am trained in clinical pastoral skills to compassionately minister to both the dying and the living. I have learned how to mediate God’s caring presence in these situations. And I have been very comfortable being there as a listening, empathetic presence. I have a good understanding of my role as chaplain and can use my skills effectively in helping the dying person and their family move toward a meaningful closure in their relationships.

However, during these same years, the prolonged illness and dying of several colleagues presented a much different and more difficult ministry challenge for me. In these relationships I had a much greater than usual emotional investment of mutual interests and friendship, and so experienced a great sense of loss in their dying. In some ways I became more a part of the grieving family needing a chaplain rather than being the chaplain. And I discovered that as the disease progressed in their body and death approached, it became increasingly difficult for me to stay with the relationship. It became easier to find “excuses” for staying away.

Why? I can think of several reasons. First, every visit forced me into thinking more intensely about my own mortality and separation from those I love.

Secondly, not only was my colleague grieving, but also was I; he the loss of life, and I the loss of a trusted co-worker and beloved friend. Out of this grieving and contrary to my best clinical pastoral knowledge, I found myself tending to protect the relationship by speaking more hopeful than realistic, more cheerful than sad, more confident than honest in my expressions of faith. And, fearing greater isolation, my grieving colleague did the same, not wanting to upset me or scare me away from visiting again. In tiptoeing carefully through our conversations, both of us robbed ourselves of the opportunity to walk together and support each other in confronting the deep feelings of loss, and together experience God’s healing presence.

Thirdly, I found it extremely painful to witness my colleague’s body and mind slowly deteriorating, and their interests and conversation diminishing. To see the person who once provided leadership, pastoral advice, listening, and nurturing, now no longer able to do those things was so heart wrenching and hard to accept. Thus, it became increasingly stressful to visit and minister appropriately to both the person and their family.

In these several experiences I discovered that it was neither easy nor comfortable to be God’s messenger of comfort and hope to a dying colleague. I also became more aware of my tendencies to avoid painful visits and needed to make a greater effort to stay with the relationship, validating my dying colleague’s feelings, history, and future, going with him hand-in-hand to the moment of separation by death. And knowing that the family experiences more intensely the same feelings and tendencies that I experience, energized me to move beyond my initial inclination and be there mediating God’s loving presence to them.

(Postscript)

I authored the above article 20 years ago while still actively ministering as a chaplain. Now retired and reflecting on what I said then, reminded me of how much my life has been shaped and guided by my decision to “stay with the relationship” no matter what. Whether it be family, church, work, or neighborhood, this has been a basic life principle for me, based on my understanding of God’s command to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39), and “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34).

I will confess that this has not always been easy and the temptation to avoid or end the relationship is often very real. Differing religious and political beliefs, perspectives, and expectations crucified Jesus, and the same differences remain equally deadly in our relationships yet today. And Jesus weeps!

But I have also experienced the rich rewards of staying with the relationship, and that has kept me motivated toward maintaining and nourishing even the difficult and often painful relationships. Furthermore, my study and meditation on Jesus’ life and teachings leads me to believe that this is what Jesus expects from us, his disciples.

May God help us to commit ourselves toward staying with and deepening all our relationships. Amen!

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – June 28, 2023

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley

We know that every human step leads to another step, and that every human act toward another brings about a reaction. What we too easily forget is that every step and action we take toward another is preceded by thought and attitude regarding the other. This is why Jesus repeatedly commanded his disciples to love others, even as he loves them.

A loving attitude toward another always leads to the greatest and most beneficial consequences for both. To maintain a loving attitude toward another leads to blessings for both the giver and receiver of loving actions. Yes, a loving attitude leads to loving actions that will likely require sacrifice of time and energy. But it will also lead to significant gains in a deepening relationship with the other.

Beverly Sills, a well-known operatic soprano singer during the 1950 – 1970 years, had just given an outstanding matinee performance, and according to the program, she would give another performance that evening at 8:00 p.m. 

Backstage her loyal fans were congratulating her, when one of them said to her, “You must rest now, because I see that you have to give another performance tonight.” “No,” said Beverly Sills, “I don’t have to give another performance tonight.” “Well,” said her fan, “it says here in the program that you have an 8:00 p.m. performance this evening.  Did you forget?” Beverly answered, “Yes, I do have a performance tonight, but I don’t have to give it.  I get to give it.”

Beverly Sills spoke and acted the difference one’s attitude can make in how we live and relate to others. Beverly Sills was “privilege” oriented rather than “task” oriented. She considered it a privilege and a joy to give a performance, not a task to do or a burden to endure. For her, the performance was a joyful pleasure, because she believed she was doing what God called her to do, that is, sing. In being led by Jesus’ love for others, Beverly was blessed as she lovingly blessed others with her singing.

The truth is that I don’t have to love my neighbor.  I don’t have to share what God has given me.  I don’t have to feed the hungry, visit the sick, and be a friend to the lonely and dying.  I don’t have to be kind, compassionate, and considerate of others.  I don’t have to sacrifice time and energy to benefit the well-being of others.

I don’t have to do any of these things, but I get to do them as a privilege of being led by and filled with the love of Jesus. To be led by Jesus Love in caring about others is not burdensome and it transforms my work and relationships from burdensome task to blessed privilege.

This is what I hear Jesus saying to his disciples and us in John 15:9-17, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ….. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. ….. This is my command: Love each other.”

In this passage, I hear Jesus telling his disciples of yesterday and today, that truly loving him will demand more than our words of love and worship. Truly loving him (Jesus) will lead to actions of love toward others in the same manner and measure that he loves us. And these works of love will often require sacrifice, even as he did for us because of his love for us.

Most importantly, the result of our being “privileged” oriented rather than “task” oriented, is perhaps more than most of us can fathom.  In return for our love and obedience to his command to “Love each other,” God will love us. “He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” Like the story of the prodigal son, God will wrap his arms around us and welcome us home. Amen!

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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – June 16, 2023

www.geigler13.wordpress.com

Ray M. Geigley