Befriending our inner enemies...Henri Nouwen

Befriending Our Inner Enemies

"How do we befriend our inner enemies lust and anger? By listening to what they are saying. They say, "I have some unfulfilled needs" and "Who really loves me?" Instead of pushing our lust and anger away as unwelcome guests, we can recognize that our anxious, driven hearts need some healing. Our restlessness calls us to look for the true inner rest where lust and anger can be converted into a deeper way of loving.

There is a lot of unruly energy in lust and anger! When that energy can be directed toward loving well, [and letting ourselves be loved] we can transform not only ourselves but even those who might otherwise become the victims of our anger and lust. This takes patience, but it is possible." ~ Henri Nouwen

• Take five minutes today to"listen" to your lusts (not just sexual, but strivings for power, attention, pity, material security, time to yourself...etc) and your anger (toward self, God, others...toward your inability to do more, or do better...)
• What unfulfilled needs to these reveal?
• In what ways do these make you feel unlovable or unloved?
• Acknowledge honestly your restlessness and imperfection in the presence of the One who delights in you. Can you let yourself be loved by God in the midst of your restlessness? Why or why not?
• Take a few deep breaths and speak honestly to God whatever is welling in your heart.

 
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