Page 181 - Built For God Handbook (Annotated and Explained Edition) - The Christian Edition of the Tao Te Ching - The New Evangelization - Pope John Paul II

115

Interestingly, this chapter takes the reader once again into the realm of the
ethic of non-interference practiced by the Indigenous peoples of the world,
as well as into the paradox of genuine faith and trust in a God who is love.
That love never imposes or dominates, but rather always achieves its goals
by underwhelming rather than overwhelming.

We need only to look at every historical era to see the tragic results of
selfish willfulness, force, brute strength, and domination, whether by
authoritarian dictators or autocratic rulers. A strong faith in God expressed
by a genuine love for others, one’s self, even our enemies, and all of
creation allows one to slow down, sink deep roots of spirituality, and absorb
God’s love and God’s values into our lives.

When our basic human needs to be loved, to belong, and to be valued are
met by that love, we can move beyond even the wonderful attitude of
acceptance and arrive at a deep surrender to God’s will in our lives. Life
then becomes so much richer and more meaningful. We begin to live
simply, so others can simply live.

b
c
a Psalm 37:6-10; Proverbs 28:2-3; Isaiah 10:1; Psalm 37:14-15;
f
d Psalm 64:5-6; Psalm 50:16-20; Colossians 3:5-11.
e