Where does God speak in our world? How does God speak? Clearly he speaks to us through his words in scripture. But how do we “hear” that word that is read and then how do we share that word with other’s?
God’s voice in this world is never coercive or overbearing in any way, but is always an invitation and a beckoning that respects you and your freedom in a way that no human institution or person ever does. God’s voice is thoroughly underwhelming, like a baby’s presence. God’s voice does judge and it does condemn, but it judges and condemns not by coercive force, but in the same way that the innocence of a baby judges false sophistication, in the way that generosity exposes selfishness, in the way that big-heartedness reveals pettiness, in the way that light makes darkness flee, and in the way that the truth shames lies. God’s voice judges us not by overpowering us but by shining love and light into all those places were we find ourselves huddled in fear, shame, bitterness, hostility, and sin.
In reading God’s word we need to find the few words that we can take and truly own as our own – and then speak them, clearly but softly – never in anger, bitterness, or selfish indulgence. God is love and we must speak in love when sharing his word.
Excerpt from Ron Rolheiser’s “God’s Voice as Invitation” April 2007