The works of mercy fall into two categories:
- Spiritual works of mercy—address our spiritual (Recovery) and emotional (healing) needs of us.
- Corporal works of mercy—address the physical body and our needs.
There are 7 spiritual works of merch:
- Counsel the doubtful.
- Share knowledge.
- Give correction to those that need it.
- Be patient with others.
- Forgive those who hurt you.
- Comfort the sorrowful.
- Pray for the living and the dead.
Let’s look at the first one, Counsel the Doubtful. Pam Sininek, in her talk about Pilgramage of Hope, says, “I feel the doubts I went through in my faith life and spiritual journey.” We want others to know Recovery, we want others to know what we know, and share that enthusiasm with the healing we have.
As Recoverees, we are asked to share our healing journey, even if sharing misgivings. Some of us experience doubts in our healing life and spiritual journey because we faced these times, and we can share them with people. I am blessed when people share their journey of healing because it helps me when they share their stories with me. Recovery requests us to help each other in these moments.
The opportunities I have had to share my story and book have given me the forum to share my journey. When I have done these talks, I read the introduction and chapter one of my book. I invite those in attendance to sit in a circle. I offer time to dialogue about what they learned. What occurs is people begin to share their stories of Recovery. It is about connecting, being compassionate, and doing so nonjudgementally.
Sometimes, counseling the doubtful is simply helping a person who is overwhelmed by their Recovery. Sometimes, no words are needed; prayers, reflection, and meditation may be offered, but it is the connection between people that brings about healing.
How are we applying the spiritual works of mercy, counseling the doubtful in our lives?
SuperHuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/