‘In this world you need not have tribulation, because I have overcome the world. That is why you should be of good cheer. (ACIM, T56)”
Affirmation: “I need not have tribulation.”
Reflections:
1 – Jesus Is Our Savior
My interpretation is that Jesus sees himself as our Savior (an oft-repeated statement of faith by believers), and that he continues, even now, to seek for the salvation of the peoples of this world. Believers recognize that a secular view frequently makes life hollow. All people encounter difficulty in living through a lifetime, but those who have a faith to which to cling often seem to fare better in the long run.
2 – We Do Not Have to Learn through Pain
ACIM asserts that we do not have to learn through pain. Often we do, though, as Eckhart Tolle has described in some detail in The Power of Now. His way to Awakening was paved by an overwhelming sense of pain that abated in what may be termed a miraculous way one night around age 30. Since that time, he has sought to understand his experience and to help others also to move toward Awakening.
3 – Our Holy Relationships Move Us toward Awakening
ACIM is different, in that it would have us to move toward Awakening by the holy relationships that we develop with our brothers and sisters, through our forgiveness of the words and deeds that they do which are upsetting to us. Our way is through the transformation of special relationships into holy ones. It is indeed reassuring to know that we do not have to learn through pain.
4 – Do Not Turn Pain into Suffering
We will probably know pain in our lifetimes, though, and Eckhart makes the point that we do not need to turn pain into suffering. Our attitude is what makes the difference. Jesus says much in both ACIM and ACOL that can lead us away from both pain and suffering. We have heretofore “made” our world (a tenet of ACIM), but as we reach into Christ-consciousness, we can “create” a world that is more to our liking. We have this much power, though often we don’t recognize this and we reject our power in a misguided belief that power is corrupting. With Jesus as our guide, owning our power becomes a new and better way of living (a tenet of ACOL).
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
Help me to claim the promise that I do not have to experience tribulation. I realize that I can bring tribulation upon myself by overreacting. May I turn to You when I am tempted to turn any passing pain into suffering, into tribulation.
Thank You for the promises of Jesus that focus on His overcoming of the world so that tribulation need not be necessary. May I turn to him as my guide, and may my day today be a good one, secure in Your love.
Amen.
ACIM Workbook Lesson for Day 148:
My mind holds only what I think with God.
If I defend myself I am attacked.
Sickness is a defense against the truth.
