[Crisis & Awakening - XVIII]
This reflection is nearly my 30th attempt to name what a revival might look like without relying on religious jargon. I haven’t just avoided worn out language, as that would be easy enough by simply choosing different words; I’ve looked for traits of true awakening and transformation that are outside what our culture might deem “religious experience” but consistent with my own experience of renewal.
As a last installment, I’ll name three related traits of awakening.
An outflow of generosity without strings attached. An overflow of empathy with no promise of reciprocation. And a desire to offer open-ended help and support.
The thread through each might be *an ability to love without expecting anything in return*.
All revival will fundamentally be marked by this kind of love. Religious pageantry is unnecessary. Euphoric “trances” or extended periods of worship are not guaranteed. Spiritual zeal and excessive God-talk is not even promised. But a renewed sense of love-without-expectations for one’s neighbor with always be present.
