“When spiritual friends share their stories, the others listen without working. They rest. There’s nothing to fix, nothing to improve. A spiritual community feels undisturbed quiet as they listen, certainly burdened . . . but still resting in the knowledge that the life within, the passion for holiness, is indestructible. It needs only to be nourished and released.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Larry Crabb, he discusses the importance of having spiritual friends who listen without immediately trying to fix or improve things. Instead, they simply rest and provide a space for each other to share their stories. This creates an undisturbed quiet within a spiritual community, where members can feel burdened yet still find solace in the knowledge that their inner life and desire for holiness is unbreakable and only needs nourishment and release.
Finding Rest in Spiritual Community
In today's fast-paced and chaotic world, the idea of finding rest and solace in a spiritual community is more relevant than ever. Larry Crabb's words remind us of the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can share their spiritual journeys without fear of criticism or judgment. This kind of support can provide a much-needed sense of peace and comfort in the midst of life's challenges.
Reflection on Spiritual Community by Larry Crabb
"When spiritual friends share their stories, the others listen without working. They rest. There’s nothing to fix, nothing to improve. A spiritual community feels undisturbed quiet as they listen, certainly burdened . . . but still resting in the knowledge that the life within, the passion for holiness, is indestructible. It needs only to be nourished and released.” - Larry Crabb"
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on the quote by Larry Crabb, consider the following questions:
How do you feel when you share your spiritual journey with friends? Do you feel listened to and understood, or do you feel like there is pressure to fix or improve something?
In your experience, what does it mean to truly listen to someone without trying to fix or improve the situation? Can you think of a time when you felt truly heard and accepted by a spiritual community?
How can we create a space within our own spiritual communities where people can share their stories and struggles without feeling judged or rushed to find solutions? What practices or habits can help nourish and release the passion for holiness within each individual?
Similar quotes
“You do not need to work to become spiritual. You are spiritual; you need only to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you. (67)”
“The purpose of journeying together in spiritual friendship and spiritual community (whether there are just two of you or whether you are in a small group) is to listen to one another's desire for God, to nurture that desire in each other and to support one another in seeking a way of life that is consistent with that desire. ”
“Listening is a gift of spiritual significance that you can learn to give to others. When you listen, you give one a sense of importance, hope and love that he or she may not receive any other way. Through listening, we nurture and validate the feelings one has, especially when he or she experiences difficulties in life.”
“The only good thing in me is Christ. Without being spiritual in my life... I am and have nothing!”
“When you find yourself in need of spiritual nourishment, it is in the opportunities to serve others that you will find the abundance you seek.”