John states that that specific question is probably his least favorite topic of conversation in the entire world, and “unable to answer the question and aware of the tension existing between [himself] and Jack… prevaricates, until his wife, Lila, eventually, after some thought, answers the question with the simple words: ‘A person can change’” (Leah, 53). Although this comment may initially appear insignificant, Lila’s input into the conversation brings a fresh attitude to John’s closed-minded thoughts. Her words bring about the revelation that forgiveness is necessary in John’s relationship with Jack, and that he must be the one to initiate it. Lila’s words make John consider the fact that although Jack acted irresponsibly in the past, John
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He says, “When you encounter another person, when you have dealings with anyone at all, it is as if a question is being put to you. So you must think, What is the Lord asking of me in this moment, in this situation? If you confront insult or antagonism, your first impulse will be to respond in kind. But if you think, as it were, This is an emissary sent from the Lord, and some benefit is intended for me, first of all the occasion to demonstrate my faithfulness, the chance to show that I do in some small degree participate in the grace that saved me, you are free to act otherwise than as circumstances would seem to dictate.” (Robinson 124) In this passage, John recognizes that while he has the ability to cling to his resentment and unresolved conflicts with Jack, the example of God’s mercy gives him a higher standard. He is being called to follow Christ’s example of bestowing grace to undeserving persons, and to ignore that calling is to reject the very grace that is shown to himself through God. He puts this idea beautifully into words when he says, “I think there must also be a prevenient courage that allows us to be brave – that is, to acknowledge that there is more beauty than our eyes can bear, that precious things have been put into our hands and to do nothing to honor them is to do great
He says, “When you encounter another person, when you have dealings with anyone at all, it is as if a question is being put to you. So you must think, What is the Lord asking of me in this moment, in this situation? If you confront insult or antagonism, your first impulse will be to respond in kind. But if you think, as it were, This is an emissary sent from the Lord, and some benefit is intended for me, first of all the occasion to demonstrate my faithfulness, the chance to show that I do in some small degree participate in the grace that saved me, you are free to act otherwise than as circumstances would seem to dictate.” (Robinson 124) In this passage, John recognizes that while he has the ability to cling to his resentment and unresolved conflicts with Jack, the example of God’s mercy gives him a higher standard. He is being called to follow Christ’s example of bestowing grace to undeserving persons, and to ignore that calling is to reject the very grace that is shown to himself through God. He puts this idea beautifully into words when he says, “I think there must also be a prevenient courage that allows us to be brave – that is, to acknowledge that there is more beauty than our eyes can bear, that precious things have been put into our hands and to do nothing to honor them is to do great