That Grace May Abound

In an old Peanuts comic strip, Lucy answers the phone. It’s Charlie Brown calling for her brother Linus. She calls for Linus, but he refuses to talk. “I’m not speaking to him. He insulted my belief,” Linus complains. “I’m not speaking to anyone who doesn’t believe in the Great Pumpkin!”

Lucy replies, “Good luck with the world!”

Lucy is right! If we insist that everyone believe just as we do, we’re going to have a hard time getting along in the world. Pride can do real damage to our relationships—even with those we love.

Now, that’s not to say we shouldn’t have deep convictions. We absolutely should. And of course, there will be times when we disagree or feel compelled to argue our point. But if we try to dominate every conversation, or beat people over the head with our views—or, like Linus, shut them out altogether—we only isolate ourselves.

There’s an ancient rabbinical saying: “There is no room for God in someone who is filled with himself.”

On the other hand, when we’re able to listen to those we disagree with—and when we treat them with love and respect—we make room for our relationships to flourish. We also make room for God’s Spirit to move, and our experience of the world becomes a little more grace-filled and loving.

Let us pray: Loving God, we know we can’t make it alone in life for very long. We need other people. We need friends. Today, O God, we pray for healing in our relationships. Where our pride has been destructive, help us to make amends. Grant us a spirit of humility, that your grace may abound. Amen.