... in a community of over 100 women from 19 nations - how does that work?
The Reconciled Life
The secret is ...
... the revolving stage! I do not first ask where the other is guilty, accuse him - but start to ask: Where have I failed? In the light of God, the situation often looks quite different. "Repentance - Blissful Life" is the name of one of the most famous writings of our Foundress. An unusual title - and even more unusual that it is actually true! It is not for nothing that Jesus began His public ministry with the words, "Repent - the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 4:17) - and in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) He gave us very practical instructions for this.
A new beginning ...
There are enough areas of friction, even in our extended family of 19 nations, from the most diverse family backgrounds, population strata and professions. Can there really be reconciled life in everyday life?
Yes - if I am willing to see myself as God and others see me. Facing the truth about myself does not destroy me, on the contrary - it drives me into the arms of Jesus. Through His forgiveness I find healing of my relationship with God and people, and from experienced forgiveness I can also forgive others.
"Repentance" - a change of direction, a new beginning. The little word "I'm sorry" is the key to reconciled life, a life full of joy and inner peace that Jesus wants to give us. An example of reconciliation between peoples here in documentary...
Reconciliation is contagious ...
Repentance has far-reaching consequences - we then experienced the grace of forgiveness on the part of those whom our people became so guilty of during the last world war. We were not only able to experience this with regard to Israel. God's Spirit drove us to ever new steps of repentance and gave us reconciliation with Czechs, Poles, Dutch, Norwegians, Danes... Through encounters of repentance and readiness for reconciliation, wounds began to heal.
This was also experienced by our sisters in the branches, whether with Indians in Brazil, with blacks and indigenous people in the USA, in faraway Australia with the Aborigines or with Maoris in New Zealand ... Yes, reconciliation is contagious!
Daily conversion as a liberating solution and source of constant joy
"A wonderful book. Many people think that repentance is a negative thing - but what's negative about getting rid of your sin? It's the most positive thing I can think of!"
Reader's comment from Australia
From our rule
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As you wish others to treat you, so treat others - and you will fulfill a main commandment.
commandment: love your neighbor as yourself.Matthew 7:12; James 2:8
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Jesus says: Follow Me, fulfill My will and not yours. Whoever follows Jesus here on earth, His wishes and commandments, may follow Him in heavenly places at His side.
John 12:26;
1 John 2:17;
Revelation 14:1ff -
Live with your neighbor: rejoice with him, weep with him - and God's heart will open and weep with you when you are in sorrow, and Jesus will share and multiply your joy.
Mark 12:31; Romans 12:15;
1 Corinthians 12:26 -
Go to the one against whom you have something in your heart, or he against you, and be reconciled - and your prayer will penetrate through the clouds and have power.
Matthew 5, 23-24; Mark 11:25
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Don't miss a day that you don't sow love - and you will reap love from God, here and for all eternity.
John 15:12; Galatians 6:7-8;
1 John 3:11 -
Do good to those who hate you - and God will shower you with love.
with love.Luke 6:27; Proverbs 25:21-22
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Love your enemies as your friends - and you will be God's friend.
Matthew 5:44-45
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Pray much for those who offend and insult you - and God will repay you with great reward in heaven.
Luke 6:22-23, 28
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Remember: God gives sinners an opportunity to repent.... So you can become a bringer of joy if you repent in repentance; for there will be joy in heaven over every sinner who repents.
Luke 15, 7.10
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You do not build the kingdom of God when you stand in the right - then you destroy it. Right and quarreling are the enemies of the kingdom of God and Christ. So choose peace, even at the expense of your right - and you will be God's friend.
Matthew 5:25; 1 Corinthians 6:7; 1 Peter 3:9a
Excerpts from "My Heart's Joy " by M.Basilea Schlink
Short interpretations of the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount
