Formation · <div id="hs_cos_wrapper_email_title" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module widget-type-text" style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit;" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module" ><div id="hs_cos_wrapper_email_title_" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_text" style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit;" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="text" >Issue 010

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The science & soul of spiritual flourishing

From

John Ortberg

My parents used to tell the story of visiting an open house when two enormous and aggressive German Shepherds came racing around the corner. My mother—not a dog fan—jumped inside the house and slammed the door shut. My father banged on the door and begged to be let in. No John, came the answer. I love you. But those dogs…

I think it is fear, more than anything else, that causes us to close the door of our hearts. Love (almost) always opens doors. — John

In This Issue

Recent Research

What’s the best cure for the loneliness epidemic we’re currently facing? Surprisingly, recent psychological research suggests this big problem could be solved by small acts of kindness. The more socially anxious and withdrawn people are, the more they would benefit from doing a simple favor—like helping a neighbor with groceries.

And people of all kinds—lonely or not—who have compassion for others are amply rewarded. A recent study shows that having deep regard for the welfare of others boosts one’s psychological, cognitive, relational, and emotional well being. Caring for others can be a form of self-care.ⁱ

But other-care is supercharged when compassion—or empathy—is combined with careful reasoning. This investigation indicates that helping others becomes fairer and more fruitful when a warm heart partners with a clear head. A loving spirit moves people to give, and a wise mind enables their giving to be more generous and far-reaching.ⁱⁱ

i. Interesting that Christopher Nolan’s film version of the Odyssey calls welcoming hospitality ‘the law of Zeus’; although that’s not a phrase Homer uses. Greek gods like Zeus and Hermes would occasionally disguise themselves as humans to see if people would be hospitable to them. But it was another, later figure who said that actually anytime we show hospitality to ‘the least of these’, we show it to Him.

ii. ‘Welcoming’ was understood in the early church to be a central part of following Jesus. Any guest may be the Lord, but the Lord may look very shabby. Sometimes we need to pay close attention…

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In the Field

ReWire engages in missional spiritual formation. It plants “Kingdom Outposts” in local churches. These intentional communities are built around contemplative prayer, radical hospitality, and meaningful mission with the poor. Participants recognize that the church needs the city as much as the city needs the church.ⁱ

The vision of Community of Hope International is for their members to become a compassionate listening presence in service to others. Their training in spiritual formation is based on Benedictine spirituality—a spirituality that connects pastoral care and Christian hospitality with looking for Christ in the other person.ⁱⁱ

But how can you bring Christ’s light to others if you’re burned out yourself? The Athghin Center for Spiritual Formation invites pastors, missionaries, and spiritual leaders to their community of sanctuary and regeneration. They help people receive and participate in God’s love through Christ-centered community, generous hospitality, and the cultivation of beauty.

i. Marcus Aurelius wrote that if we arise reluctantly, grumbling in the morning, we should think: “I arise to accomplish a human task. Should I complain when I’m about to do that for which I was born? Or was I created to pamper myself?”

ii. Benedictine writer Wil Derkse notes that simply accepting a phone call is a chance to receive a guest. To help shift his attitude from irritation to gratitude he says a little mental prayer of blessing for his yet-unknown caller/guest: Benedicamus Domino—it might be the Lord!

Data Point

Poll reported by Healio.

Soul Talk

Welcome is something you become, not just something you do. Becoming a Person of Welcome invites you to expand your conception of hospitality beyond hosting dinners in your home. And each chapter features a spiritual practice aimed at planting a posture of generous living deep in your soul.ⁱ

But according to Making Room, the Christian tradition of hospitality has fallen by the wayside. Welcoming the stranger is central to the gospel and at the heart of the early church’s ministry. But aside from outposts of hospitable outreach, the Church needs to revitalize care for the least of these.

And Saved by Faith and Hospitality makes the case complete. God’s relationship to his people is, at the core, an act of hospitality to strangers. And Jesus is the divine host who extends God’s hospitality to all people. There’s nothing more Christlike than welcoming the poor and outcast.

i. If you’re ready for some graduate-level work on the welcome wagon, consider this thought from Dallas W: A much-used doormat says “Welcome friends!” Could yours also genuinely welcome enemies? Or is the association with a doormat still more than your feelings can stand? When you loan a dress, a stereo, a car or some tools or books, are you able to release them with no hope of seeing them again—“without despairing of anyone,” as Luke 6:35 suggests—and with no thought that now the borrower will be obligated to do you a favor?