Giving what has been Given

God has given us already that which matters most: our centre, our being. We are not valued for what we do - such a prevalent thought in our "productive society" where the first question we ask each new acquaintance "So, what do you do?". We are not what we have, though others may judge us that way.

God has given us what we need, placed us where we are, and we have His purpose and strength to sustain us to do His work. My labour is a small response to His work on my behalf, my virtues (such as they are) a small reflection of His goodness, my evils a small and fading stain on His workmanship.

“And all the wickedness in this world that man might work or think, is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal in the sea.” William Langland,1330-1400

Only when he frees us are we free, and only then can we truly love others and help others. We are freed for our good and the good of others, not because we deserve it but because we need it.