Week 7 | Peace: From Distraction to Presence

Describing what loving presence is not with the use of non-______ phrases helps clarify that love is more about removing things (i.e., releasing anxiety or judgmentalism) than about performing or making something happen. When we offer loving presence, we offer space where something good can happen but we do not force it.  

As we grow in our awareness of a God who holds our lives in love and delight, we can respond with loving presence rather than react from anger, shame, and anxiety to people, situations and even ourselves. As we look at Jesus words in Matthew 7:12-23, He invites us to live further into non-reactive presence, which is a part of the fruit of contemplation.

First, Jesus speaks of being rooted and grounded, not swayed or distracted by the actions of others:

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (vv. 12-14)

As we interact with others for whom anger, shame, and anxiety is the water in which they swim, we are often tempted to react. Jesus invites us to respond from a place of awareness. Because we experience love in the gaze of God, we long for that love to be what defines all our human relationships as well. Awareness of this fuels our response to “do to others what you have them do to you.” Only when we are grounded in awareness can we respond in love rather than react. Jesus says this is the narrow way. It’s not easy but it leads to life. Reacting to reactions destroys.

Next, Jesus explores the need for discernment as we consider the nature of a non-reactive loving presence:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (vv. 15-20)

What is the fruit that Jesus is referencing in these verses? It is the fruit of walking the contemplative path of surrender, sit, and see. It is loving presence. False prophets do not bear this fruit. We are challenged to discern to whom we are listening. Are we listening to those who come with great content but little character or those who look good on the outside but are mean, manipulative, and malicious? Kindness and loving presence are the fruit of following Jesus. Discerning the “fruit” of our own life keeps us from over-reacting and grounds us in humble, vulnerable presence with others. 

Finally, Jesus invites us to consider that it is possible for our words and stated beliefs to be correct, but we have a heart that is far from Him:  

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (vv. 21-23)

Living in God’s gaze centers around knowing Him – not doing things for Him. In John 15:14, Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” The fruit of following Jesus’ commands (love God, love neighbor) grows from the soil of friendship with Jesus. We are wise to abide in “knowing Jesus” as we live in God’s gaze as the foundation of our lives. All else flows from this center. 

As we are grounded, discerning, and centered on knowing, our lives bear the fruit of non-reactive presence. Spend a few moments right now prayerfully reviewing the last week. Are there times when you were distracted from God’s gaze and were led to reacting rather than responding? Observe and do not react. Simply notice and return to God’s gaze.

Prayer: Lord of all mercy, You are my friend. May I live as a friend who knows Your heart and seeks to do what I know brings us joy. Amen.