May 30 – Dualism in Our Image of God
Can we free ourselves from the need to judge others? Yes, by claiming for ourselves that we are the Beloved Daughters and Sons of God… To the degree that we embrace the truth that our identity is not rooted in our success, power, or popularity, we can let go of our need to judge. Henri Nouwen
Gregg’s Reflection
When I was young in faith, I pictured God much like my father — a man who was quick to point out mistakes and slow to offer praise. My father was a perfectionist, and while that pushed me to excel, it also left me with the feeling that love had to be earned.
That image of my father bled into my image of God. I imagined a divine scorekeeper, always ready to “whack me” when I fell short — which happened a lot. I spent decades trying to prove myself worthy, striving for perfection, thinking that if I could just perform well enough, God’s approval would finally be mine.
It’s only in later years, through meditation and scripture, that God’s true face began to break through — not the harsh judge I had imagined, but the One Julian of Norwich describes as “standing all alone, sorrowing and mourning, awaiting our return.” This God’s gaze is compassion, not condemnation.
Still, the old dualistic image of God — harsh versus kind, judge versus lover — can slip back in without my noticing. And when it does, it shapes how I treat others. If I see God as judgmental, I become judgmental. If I know God as love, I can offer love. How we picture God will always shape how we live.
Scripture
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17
Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.
John 5:22
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.
Psalm 103:8–9
Ancient Quotes
When we are fallen because of frailty or blindness, then our gracious Lord inspires us, stirs us and calls us, and then he wills that we see our wretchedness and humbly let it be acknowledged. But He does not wish us to remain thus.…for He wills that we quickly attend to Him; for He stands all alone and waits for us constantly, sorrowing and mourning until we come, and hastens to take us to himself, for we are His joy and delight and He is our cure and our life.
Julian of Norwich, Complete Julian, p. 357
We will not take possession of our birthright of never-ending joy until we find ourselves fully gratified with God and all his actions and judgments, loving and nonviolent toward ourselves and toward all our fellow seekers.
Julian of Norwich, The Showings of Julian of Norwich
Modern Quotes
Can we free ourselves from the need to judge others? Yes, by claiming for ourselves the truth that we are the Beloved Daughters and Sons of God… To the degree that we embrace the truth that our identity is not rooted in our success, power, or popularity, we can let go of our need to judge.
Henri Nouwen, Nouwen Society Daily Devotion, 10/26/21
Great love has the potential to open the heart space and then the mind space. Great suffering has the potential to open the mind space, and then the heart space. Both need to be opened. The mind that divides the world into deserving and undeserving has not yet experienced the gratuity of grace.
Richard Rohr, A Spring Within, p. 245
Journaling Prompts
- How has your image of God been shaped by authority figures in your life?
- Do you tend to picture God as more of a judge or as a loving parent?
- How does your view of God affect the way you treat others?
- What spiritual practices help you hold onto an image of God rooted in love?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 22 Reflection: Judgment, Dualistic Thinking