Addiction, Shame & Spilling Love

Addiction, Shame & Spilling Love

I've been studying Romans over the last few months and today I came to Romans 5:3-5.  After spending some time breaking it down and reading it over a few times, I felt this immediate connection to the struggle with addiction that my son and so many others deal with on a day-to-day basis.

For obvious reason, addiction and shame are deeply connected.  Together they set up this nasty cycle.  You use because you feel bad, then you feel shame for using.  The shame causes you to feel bad about yourself so you use to make it feel better.  You try to fill the empty space in your soul that was left by pain and shame with something that will bring you more shame.

I am not an addict, but I know shame.  I have felt a lot recently as my business has just finished its worst year ever and that has put me and my family in a very difficult situation as it relates to having enough money to live.  A new job and the continued development of my business still provide hope, but hope won't pay my bills.  As the sole breadwinner for the family I have great shame that I have put my family in this situation.  Shame eats at you if you let it.

In Romans 5:3, Paul encourages us to "rejoice in our sufferings" because the pain that is caused by suffering provides us the ability to endure more suffering (also known as "patience"...the Greek word used here is "hypomone").  And that endurance...while rejoicing...will create in you "proven character".  Just a quick side note..."proven character" are the words used in the NIV.  The KJV uses the word "experience".  The Greek word used is actually "dokime" and it is defined as "approved, tried character" or "a proof, a specimen of tried worth".  This word brings out the idea that those who suffer, but continue to give thanks to God, come out of that suffering with more character than they did before.  In my mind, they are stronger, and likely happier, because of what they were able to live through.  This concept is accentuated in James 1:2 where it says, "Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials" because those trials produce patience ("hypomone") and that patience will do work on you to the point that you "may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  I would say that's a pretty good reason to endure in my suffering.

But, that's really not the main point I was going to make.  You see, going back to Romans 5:5, Paul says that suffering produces patience, patience produces character and character produces THE most important thing you have to find when you are depressed and feeling like there is no way you will get out of the situation you are in...and that is HOPE.  Addiction and hope are a pair that don't go well together.  Paul reminds us to look for hope in our suffering because it does exist.  It is there...and we can find it in our rejoicing.  Even more, Paul finishes verse 5 by telling us that "hope does not disappoint us, because God's love and been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."  So often, with both mental illness and addiction, we hear of people feeling "empty".  People use their drug of choice to fill the hole caused by their pain and their shame, but Paul reminds us that God's love will pour into our hearts when we rejoice in our suffering.  The Greek word used to describe the "pouring" is "ekcheo".  I always find it fascinating when I dig deeper into the meaning of words like this.  "Ekcheo" is defined not just as "pouring out" but as "gushing out" and "spilling out".  It is one thing to think of God pouring a glass of water, it's another thing to think of God spilling a glass of water.  I think of it as impossible to control or a purposeful spilling, not frantic, but desperately wanting you to get more water, more than you could possibly need.

We all have holes in ourselves that we are trying to fill...whether it be addiction or shame or pain...Romans 5:3-5 reminds me that the only way to fill those holes is through the love of God "dia Christos" (through Christ) who died for our sins so that we might be "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing".  So, REJOICE today in your suffering.  REJOICE today in your shame.  REJOICE today in your pain.  REJOICE and know that God's love is spilling over you today.

What is Sin?

What is sin? Some say it’s anything that separates us from God. Some say that it’s breaking any of God’s commands. 1 John 5:17 says, “All wrongdoing is sin.” Some versions translate “wrongdoing” as “unrighteousness.”  The Greek word used here is “adikia”.  The meaning of this word is “injustice”.  The root word of “adikia” is “adikos” and it is defined as “descriptive of one who violates or has violated justice”. This appears to be more of a social or moral rule rather than a rule of the Mosaic Law and a breaking of that rule would still be called a sin.

1 John 3:4 says, “sin is lawlessness”.  Here, John defines sin using a different word, lawlessness, than the one I have outlined above and it is translated from the Greek word “anomia”.  It is defined as “the condition of without the law” or the condition where there is no law. But it is interesting because the root word for “anomia” is “anomos” and this word is more specific in its meaning in that it reflects a condition where there is a lack of Mosaic Law.  This appears to have a closer relationship with what most would call the “law and the prophets”.  But, it also appears to include custom or social rules as well as the “law and the prophets”.  And this makes sense be in my mind when I think of how we use “lawlessness” in today’s world, I think of people breaking not only the written law but also social and moral laws. 

One other interesting note is that both of the words “adikos” and the word “anomos” have a connection.  “Adikos” comes from 2 separate Greek words.  The first is “alpha” which is defined as “Christ is the beginning” and the end.  You know, “I am the alpha and the omega.” In this word, it is used as a negative participle meaning that whatever comes next, comes in the negative form.  The second Greek word that makes up this word “adikos” is “dike” which is defined as “a custom” thereby linking it to the breaking of cultural or social laws.  “Anomos” also comes from 2 separate words.  The first is “alpha” (as outlined above) and the second word is “nomos” which is defined as “of any law whatsoever” including both the social/moral law in addition to the Mosaic Law.  So, the link to these 2 words comes in that they have the same root first word of “alpha”.

Is it surprising that both these 2 words used to define sin use Christ in the negative form? 

Then, in James 4:17, it says that sin is NOT doing the good we know we should do.  The Greek word used here for “good” is the word “kalos”.  I am always joyfully surprised when I come across some of these words and how they are defined because it all of the sudden becomes so much more fulfilling.  “Kalos” is defined as “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable.” Sure sounds like the opposite of sin to me.  

Romans 14:23 says that sin is anything that “does not come from faith.”  While some say this defines sin, I believe that it is simply a reiteration of what Paul has said earlier in this chapter.  Earlier in Romans, Paul asks us to accept those who are “weak” in the faith because that weakness puts them in situations where they break some of the hard and fast rules of those whose faith is strong.  Supposedly, those whose faith is strong live a life of strict obedience to both the social/moral law in addition to the Mosaic Law. This is where Paul says in verse 5 that “each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” It seems that the focus here is whether or not your focus is on Christ and if your focus is on Christ then you should not “sweat the small stuff”.  But, Paul goes on in verse 17 to say that the “Kingdom of God” is about “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” And how to we obtain righteousness? In Romans 4 Paul uses Abraham as his example and tells us that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” So, it begins with a belief in God.  Living a life in righteousness begins with having confidence in your decisions, having been persuaded by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, to live a life of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17) because it is this person who is “pleasing to God” (Rom 14:18).  

The phrase that I hear most of all is that sin means that you have “missed the mark”.  This phrase comes from the Greek word, “hamartano”. It is first used in the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew 18:15 and it is used all throughout the New Testament after that.  In both of the verses above from 1 John, the word for “sin” is the Greek word “hamartia” which comes from this root word “hamartano”.  The I assume at this point that you will not be surprised that this word is derived from 2 other Greek words.  The first word is…that’s right, you guessed it…”alpha” and, yes, it is used here as a negative participle.  The second word is outlined as “meros” and this word is a noun that is defined as “a part due or assigned to one” or “lot, destiny”.  The biblical usage of this word does include to “miss the mark”, but in my mind this is outlining sin as any action that would separate you from Christ lot. It is outlining sin as anything that would take you away from what Christ has already assigned you, or at least desires you to be.  Our sin is any action where we pass on our assigned lot in life.  Our sin is any action where we say to God we give up on His plan for us and that is…to be His child.  Sin is any action where we pass up the opportunity to be “adopted to sonship”. 

But, how do we avoid this? How instead do we accept this adoption?  John 14:12 says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”  And then in John 15 Jesus tells us to “remain in my love.” Then, in what again seems to be clear direction for us as Christians, Jesus says in John 15:12 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” And just to make sure we got it straight and are not confused he hits us over the head again 5 verses later when he says “This is my command: Love each other.”

So, after all of this mess I have made of translations and different words used to explain sin, the best way to describe sin for me is anything that does not come from love.  Because the moment you don’t have love is the moment you become disconnected to Christ.  But, in order to accept the “adoption to sonship” you have to have faith.  You can’t love what you don’t believe in. 

Is "Home Where Your Heart Is"?

They say that, “Home is where your heart is.” Well, recently, I helped a client sell their parents home.  It is the home that both Mom and Dad had lived in there final years and months and days.  Both parents passed peacefully in this beautiful home.  It wasn’t the home they had raised their children in, just the last 12 years of their lives.  They were 2 beautiful people who had a beautiful home which truly was “home”.  It was one of those places where you walked through the front door and immediately felt comfortable, like you could take your shoes off and plop down on the couch for a long afternoon nap.

So, what do you say to the children who now have to leave this place to someone else to care for?  These may be nice people, people that might spend their last days in this home.  These are people who will likely care for it in a similar manner as Mom and Dad. But, the heart of these adult children are with this home, yet it is no longer theirs to walk into and feel the presence of Mom and Dad.  It is no longer theirs to cook another dinner and remember Mom and Dad.  It is no longer theirs to sit on the back patio while the sun sets dreaming of their time with Mom and Dad. 

So, is home truly where the heart is? This past Sunday at my church, Rose Egertson made this more clear to me when she turned this around and said that this saying has roots in a biblical verse, Matthew 6:21 which says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” She noted that sometimes we get this turned around in that where our heart is, there you will find your treasure.  This is certainly the case many times in life.  My heart is with my wife and my children and they are certainly treasures in my life.  But the point that Rose made today was that Jesus is saying that you must choose where and what you choose to treasure and then your heart follows. 

I guess it’s not surprising to me then that Jesus finishes this text with a directive to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…”.  (Mat 6:33) He is telling us all…”this is where your treasure should be; this is what your heart should be seeking.” Because if we treasure these 2 things as they should be treasured, then “all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mat 6:33) He is encouraging us to trust in Him.  Don't worry about what tomorrow will bring.  Don't worry about what you will eat or what you will wear or where you will live.  God will provide as long as your treasures are in the right priority.  

So, is home where the heart is? It certainly seems that your heart follows your treasures.  When you sell that home that has such great meaning to you, either it’s the house in which you were raised or the house in which your parents passed or it’s the house in which you raised your children…you can find peace in knowing that your treasures are not in the physical brick and mortar, studs and sod, but in the memories that place has embedded in your mind and on your heart.  What you treasure are the people who you loved and who loved you in this place.  This is family.  That is where your treasure is.  That is where your heart will be also.  Home is where family is.  Home is where love resides. 

Upon this Rock!

Wow! Could it really be over 4 months since my last post? My business and my life has been so busy that I have not had a chance to focus on getting to the blog. But, for some reason I am back here today.  For some reason God has said that its time for me to concentrate on something bigger than myself.  I don't know that that is or where it will lead but I try, I try to listen for his voice, to listen for his direction, to feel his push in one way or another.

Today, the gospel message was based on Matthew 16:13-20.  This is one of those verses that for those of us who have grown up in the church we have heard over and over again. Jesus asks his disciples "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (NIV) They give Jesus a list of people who they say that he is and then he gets more specific and asks the disciples "Who do YOU say that I am?" Simon steps up for the group and says "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And this next part is the part that always seems to fly past me and never has really sunk into my heart.  He praises Simon and says he is Peter and that "on [Peter] or this rock I will build my church..."

That's astonishing. Peter gets quite a shout out from Jesus himself.  But, it's this next part where it gets confusing. After praising Peter he says further that "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Huh?

There are many interpretations of this verse.  Some say that this is Jesus handing over to his disciples the keys of who gets in and who gets out.  Some say its where the Catholic church gets its Papal authority. Some say he was just speaking to Peter and that only Peter now has the golden key. But, it seems to me that Jesus is talking to all of his disciples.  Just because Simon answers and Jesus' response is specifically about Simon becoming Peter, Jesus seems to be talking to those who are listening as a whole. It's not "on Peter" that he will build his church, it's those that believe by faith through the Holy Spirit's direction. Peter believe Jesus was the messiah and, guess what, Jesus says he was "blessed". The Greek word used here is actually one of my favorite words in the Bible.  It's the word "makarios". Most just define it as it is in the NIV and many other translations, “blessed”. But some translate it as “happy” which seems so unfulfilling, so I went a little deeper. In a more in depth analysis at studylight.org it says, “Markarios is an adjective form of ‘makar’” and that “the idea embodied within this word is satisfaction from experiencing a fullness of something.” Then it goes on to say that the “Greek meaning becomes clear showing us that ‘Markarios’ refers to the believer in Christ who is satisfied and secure in the midst of life’s hardships because of the indwelling fullness of the Spirit.” Sorry...off topic for a second.  

So why does Jesus use this word to describe Peter? I think it's because Jesus knows that in order for his church to grow, this is the only way it will happen...by those who believe. He knows that he will not live on this earth forever, so the only way others will come to know him AFTER he dies is the same way that Peter did, through his faith.  It is to those people that have the keys to heaven. Time and time again the gospel message clearly states that those who believe are those who have access to the Kingdom of God. But, in addition to this, its important that we understand that those who believe are filled with the Holy Spirit, they are filled with Christ and, because of that, Jesus knows that whatever that person does, either binding or loosing, it is all done in God's name and, therefore, shall be the same in heaven.  

Amazing so much from so few words.  Amen! Did you see God today? 

 

I saw God today...in the greater Church!

So often, Christians think "denomination-ally".  I am of the greatest sinner in this regard.  I tend to think about my local church and its impact on my life and the life of my family.  I think about my church and how it is impacting the local community.  I think about Martin Luther and what he would have said about this or about that. I think of myself as a Lutheran. What church do you attend? What church are you a member of? These questions cause us to think small and local.  Well, recently, my mind has been on the greater Christian church.  My mind has been thinking less about my local community church and more about the larger church as a whole.

In some recent studies, I am convinced that God would not want this division of denominations.  These breaks all happened for good reasons.  It's human nature to want to associate and commune with those who are of similar mind, but so often we get off track because of the little things that divide us.  As a Lutheran, I give thanks for the steps that Martin Luther made almost 500 years ago to define ways he thought the Catholic church should change.  When it was clear that they would not, the Lutheran denomination was born.  But, even since then, the Lutheran church has now divided itself again and again. That's just one example of many church splits that occur and will continue to occur because someone or some group of people believe that their church is headed in the wrong direction.

But, today, Christian churches all over the world of different denominations, in different languages will celebrate Palm Sunday together.  Today, Christian churches who have different beliefs about how to worship will come together today and focus less on how they worship and more so on why they worship. Together, we celebrate and lay our palms down in front of our King. Today, we reflect words that I recently read from Galations 3:7, "So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham." And from Galatians 3:26, "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith." And Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Time and time again in the new testament in speaks of being one in Christ, but Ephesians 2 seems to clearly outline this topic.  In verses 11-22 he is speaking to Gentiles and explaining to them that "by grace you are saved through faith" and that "he is our peace who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility" (v.14) in order that we become "members of the household of God" (v.19).  We are all adopted to sonship by our faith.

Before Dietrich Bonhoeffer became a Pastor, said that his life was greatly influenced when he was 18 and had the opportunity to attend a Catholic mass in Rome on Palm Sunday.  This mass was attended by thousands and all different denominations were present. It was at this mass that he began to see the universal church rather than thinking locally.  So, today, I hope that we all have a chance to step back and see the larger church.  I hope that we put aside the denominational thinking and see that we need to refocus on the things that are most important...our faith...and how we allow that faith to live a life of love for those around us.

Have a blessed day!

I saw God today...calling me to RIGHTEOUSNESS.

In Matthew 5:6 Jesus says to his disciples, "Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Certainly, I am always interested in trying to figure out ways to be "satisfied". The King James Version of the Bible uses the word "filled" here.  It actually appears to be a closer definition the original Greek word which is defined literally as to be filled with herbs and grass from the field (as of animals). I read it as if I am sitting at the dinner table having finished a plate or two of my wife's tri-tip dinner when she asks me, "Would you like any more?".  My reply is "No Thanks! I'm full!" This is not Thanksgiving dinner where you eat past the point of satisfaction.  That is over-filled. This is contentment. This is taking pleasure in what God has provided in his creation and being filled or satisfied by that.  But in this case, Jesus is not talking about food, but of righteousness. 

Before I go into the detail of this word, on the surface, this is one of the Beatitudes which appears to make sense to me without much work. It just sounds right. I think most Pew Sitters like me would understand this verse.  If you really, really want to do the right thing...you probably will. I don't necessarily think it needs much more than that.  But, for me, it leads to a bigger question.  What is the "right thing"? Sometimes this is an easy answer also. If you see someone hungry...feed them.  If you see someone crying...comfort them. If you have hurt someone...apologize. But, most of life just isn't that simple.  The nuances of this question is where it really becomes difficult for me. We all make judgements along the way as to what is right and what is wrong.  Some see things as "black and white" and the line is clear.  But, I think that life is filled with gray and many times it's hard to know what is right and what is wrong. 

Most recently, I have spent a lot of time of this question in my study of same-sex marriage. 

Ok...deep breath...everyone still reading? Anyone still reading? This issue in and of itself is one that, for most people, is black and white.  For most people, there is no gray area here.  

On one hand, people say that God made woman for man and anything outside of that is not consistent with the "orders of creation" as outlined in Genesis is sin. But in addition, there are several verses in the Bible that prohibit same-gender sexual activity. 

On the other hand, people say that God did make woman for man, but that should not prohibit two men or two women who believe God sent his son to die for their sins, and who live a life of expressing that gift with love to their neighbor, that should not prohibit them from having access to God's blessing in marriage. 

So is one right and one wrong? Is one going to heaven and one...not going to heaven? This is just one example of what I am talking about.  There are many issues that divide Christians into what we would call "denominations" today.  Each division was caused by one of these questions.  Most of the time they are not small issues that cause people to break off into their own group of people who believe the same thing, something different from their old church, and form a new church, with a new name, at a new location, with a new pastor.  But, the cross stays the same. Jesus stays the same. He is still God's son delivering the same message to each of us.  We let these questions divide us rather than looking for ways to come together around the gospel.  So, what is Jesus saying to us in this verse? What is he calling us to achieve...righteousness?  What is righteousness? 

One of the things that I have learned to love is to trace the etymology of words in the Bible to their root because it's inevitable that when I do that, it leads to a greater understanding of what God is saying to me in that verse.  In this particular case, the word used in Matthew 5:6 for "righteousness" gets traced from one word to the next and below is a summary. (All of the definitions are from the Blue Letter Bible Lexicon.)

"dikaiosynē" - This is the Greek word used in the original text.  It is defined as "virtue" or "a condition acceptable to God". But that doesn't really answer the question.  So this is from the root word...

"dikaios " - This is defined as "righteous, observing divine laws", "keeping the commands of God". So for me, this doesn't really help much.  It is also defined as "rendering to each his due". This is more in a judicial sense but you can see how righteousness can also be seen then as "you get what you deserve".  But I was still unfulfilled.  So the this comes from the root word...

"dikē" - This is defined as "custom, usage", "the goddess of justice" and "right, just". But, for me, the word "righteousness" is used so many times in the Bible, you would think you could find a definition that doesn't use itself as the definition. So, we move on.  The root word of "dikē" is...

"deiknyō" - This word is the likely root for each of the above.  This doesn't have any further root as defined by the Lexicon.  This word is defined as "to show, expose to the eyes" and it is also used metaphorically as "to teach or give evidence or proof of a thing".  In my mind, this begins to give "righteousness" more meaning. So, what is righteousness? It is doing the right things that we have been taught in both the Words of God and Jesus and in the life of Jesus.  What is it the the life of Jesus proved to us? What did he teach us about the law? 

When it's possible, I always use Jesus' own words.  John 15:9-17 says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, 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. 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. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

So, all of the law is wrapped up into this.  All of God's commands, all of the Old Testament law, the 10 Commandments are all summed up like this...love each other.  So, righteousness is doing the work of love. But, what is love? Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evel but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Cor 13:4-7). Righteousness is doing the work of love. 

Those who thirst and hunger for love will be blessed. Do the work of love today and be blessed. 

 

Non cupidi vindictae

Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." So much to understand here. So much to learn. Not only does this not make a lot of sense to me, but I certainly have problems when applying this to my own life.

In one of my previous posts title "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit", I described the word "blessed" as meaning a "satisfaction from experiencing the fullness of God." This word denotes a happy acceptance of whatever situation it is that you are living in.  This 5th verse of Matthew 5 makes me uncomfortable...not satisfied. Meekness and the world for me don't seem to coexist. We are taught, and we teach, to "go get it", "make it happen", "give it 110%", "the early bird gets the worm", "you have to fight for what you want", "stand up for yourself", "fight the good fight".  I don't see meekness here. But maybe I just don't understand what meekness really means.  Dictionary.com says that meekness is "humbly patient; overly submissive; spiritless; tame; gentle; kind". See...that doesn't jive with standing up for yourself and fighting the good fight.

But, maybe I don't really understand what Jesus was saying? Maybe I understand this word differently from when it was used in Biblical times.  But, the word used in Matthew 5:5 for "meek" was only used two other times in the New Testament and one was used quoting an Old Testament verse, so really, it was only used one other time than when it was used here in the Beatitudes.  This one other time it was used to describe how a wife should act in 1 Peter 3:4. It says that a woman's beauty should not come from "outward adornment" but from her "inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet (meek) spirit."

So...you're saying she's really, really nice?!?!

Even the Old Testament verse that is quoted in Matthew 21:5 describes this word as when Jesus was riding on a donkey into the city and that he did so with meekness. The Old Testament passage quoted in Matthew 21:5 comes from Zechariah 9:9. The NIV describes it as "your King comes to you righteous and victorious, lowly (meek) and riding on a donkey." The word used in the Old Testament passage seems to lend a better understanding.  It is the Hebrew word "`aniy".  It is described by the Lexicon as would be expected "poor, afflicted, humble, wretched". But the Lexicon also says that the etymology of this word comes from the Hebrew word "`anah".  This word is described as a verb meaning "to afflict, oppress, humble, be afflicted, be bowed down". But the Lexicon goes on to suggest that this word is also used in the Old Testament in ways that we would not normally associate with "meekness".  It defines is as "to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout". Okay....just got goose bumps!

Now maybe Matthew 5:5 is becoming more clear. It's beginning to have a farther reach than when I first read it. But, I wanted to look at one more thing.  I had remembered Bonhoeffer had written about this in "The Cost of Discipleship" so I went back and want to share with you what he said. "When reproached (the disciples of Christ), they hold their peace; when treated with violence they endure it patiently; when men drive them from their presence, the yield their ground...They are determined to leave their rights to God alone - non cupidi vindictae...Their right is in the will of their Lord - that and no more." No vindictive ambition. Not desirous of vengeance.

When you take all of this together, now things seem to be a little more clear. It sounds to me like Jesus is calling us "to answer, respond, testify, speak, shout" with a life of faith and of trust in the will of God. Jesus is calling us, in that trust, to be kind and gentle, not acting with a vengeful heart, but with a heart of love for those around us. SHOUT WITH YOUR LOVE. SHOUT WITH YOUR GENTLENESS. Let your light, your life of meekness, shine and testify to those around you that the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart.

Have a blessed day...and remember...when you are looking for God, when you are looking for understanding...He is there.