We are now halfway through The Seven: From Vice to Virtue. Along the way, several thoughtful questions have arisen. Here are three of the most important.
First, what is the difference between sin, a sin and a vice?
Grace frees us to train for godliness, seek visible progress and persevere in ordinary faithfulness.
Jesus gives the rest we cannot earn and teaches us to carry love’s responsibilities with him.
Sloth scatters our attention; diligence begins by receiving Jesus’ word and being present to the person before us.
Sloth grows through small postponements; diligence does the good that belongs to this moment.
Sloth resists the claims of love; diligence wakes to God’s mercy and gives steady attention to the neighbour before us.
Yesterday, 10 September, was R U OK? Day. This year’s theme is “Ask R U OK? Any Day”—because, rather inconveniently, life’s difficulties do not confine themselves to the second Thursday in September.
Loving-kindness refuses to make neighbours into rivals; it honours them, shares their burdens and rejoices in their good.