Look for the Divine Spark of their soul which is within them.

Yet all loss comes only from your own misunderstanding. Loss of any kind is impossible. But when you look upon a brother as a physical entity, his power and glory are “lost” to you and so are yours. You have attacked him, but you must have attacked yourself first. Do not see him this way for your own salvation, which must bring him his. Do not allow him to belittle himself in your mind, but give him freedom from his belief in littleness, and thus escape from yours. As part of you, he is holy. As part of me, you are. To communicate with part of God Himself is to reach beyond the Kingdom to its Creator, through His Voice which He has established as part of you. T-8.VII.5:1-9

A Course in Miracles (p. 298). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

When we perceive ourselves and others simply as bodies we misunderstand who we and they really are: souls which are part of their creator which some people call “God.”

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person who is imbued with the holiness of their creator. God doesn’t make junk.

Today it is suggested that we look past the bodies of people we meet and look for the Divine Spark of their soul which is within them.

From where does a person’s worth and dignity arise: from their body or their soul?

And in the body of another you will see the use to which you have put yours. If the body becomes a means you give to the Holy Spirit to use on behalf of union of the Sonship, you will not see anything physical except as what it is. Use it for truth and you will see it truly. Misuse it and you will misunderstand it, because you have already done so by misusing it. Interpret anything apart from the Holy Spirit and you will mistrust it. This will lead you to hatred and attack and loss of peace. T-8.VII.4:4-9

A Course in Miracles (pp. 297-298). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Hypochondriacs don’t understand their own bodies nor the bodies of others. They live in fear of loss of the body because they identify so strongly with it, they think their peace and joy come from it. The focus of concern should be the soul not the body.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. This worth and dignity does not arise from the body but from the soul.

Today it is suggested that we consider from where our inherent worth and dignity arise: from our bodies or from our souls?

Initiate a conversation with a stranger and connect in a satisfying way.

Communication ends separation. Attack promotes it. The body is beautiful or ugly, peaceful or savage, helpful or harmful, according to the use to which it is put. T-8.VII.4:1-3

A Course in Miracles (p. 297). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Some say that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and this is only partially accurate. The communication between bodies is the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God is not within us but among us.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the acceptance of one another and the encouragement of spiritual growth. There is a Divine Spark within each of us and when joined together the sparks burst into beautiful flames.

Today it is suggested that you initiate a conversation with a stranger and see if you can connect in a satisfying way.

No longer division but multiplication.

If you use the body for attack, it is harmful to you. If you use it only to reach the minds of those who believe they are bodies, and teach them through the body that this is not so, you will understand the power of the mind that is in you. If you use the body for this and only for this, you cannot use it for attack. In the service of uniting it becomes a beautiful lesson in communion, which has value until communion is. This is God’s way of making unlimited what you have limited. The Holy Spirit does not see the body as you do, because He knows the only reality of anything is the service it renders God on behalf of the function He gives it.T-8.VII.3:1-6

A Course in Miracles (p. 297). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Are you a soul in a body or a body with a soul? If you become aware that you are a soul with a body, then the desire is to join with other souls in what the Course calls “communion.” It is in communion that a soul becomes unlimited and serves the function for which God created it.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the acceptance of one another and encourage each other’s spiritual growth. This is what the Course calls “communion” and is the function that God gives God’s creations, which are extensions of God’s being, on earth as it is in heaven.

Today it is suggested that we get in touch with our Divine Spark and the Divine Spark in others. There is no longer division but multiplication.

Generating kindred spirits creates great peace and joy.

Remember that the Holy Spirit interprets the body only as a means of communication. Being the Communication Link between God and His separated Sons, the Holy Spirit interprets everything you have made in the light of what He is. The ego separates through the body. The Holy Spirit reaches through it to others. You do not perceive your brothers as the Holy Spirit does, because you do not regard bodies solely as a means of joining minds and uniting them with yours and mine. This interpretation of the body will change your mind entirely about its value. Of itself it has none. T-8.VII.2:1-7

A Course in Miracles (p. 297). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

The body is merely the conduit of God’s unconditional love. Joining with the Holy Spirit to rise above the ego which is identified with the body and commune with Spirit  is the means of the Atonement which is the healing of the separation.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the acceptance of one another and the encouragement to spiritual growth. Christians call this the “Body of Christ.” Buddhists call it “sangha”.

Today it is suggested that we consider that joining kindred spirits generates great peace and joy on earth as in heaven.

Are you a soul with a body or a body with a soul?

When you equate yourself with a body you will always experience depression. When a child of God thinks of himself in this way he is belittling himself, and seeing his brothers as similarly belittled. Since he can find himself only in them, he has cut himself off from salvation. T-8:VII.1:6-8

A Course in Miracles (p. 296). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Are you a soul in a body or a body with a soul? The perspective makes a big difference. The passage above states that if you think you are a body with a soul you will experience depression but if you think you are a soul with a body you will experience peace and joy.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The inherent worth and dignity resides in the soul.

Today it is suggested that we answer the question for ourselves: Are you a soul with a body or a body with a soul? The perspective you choose makes all the difference in your well being.

Do we operate on a belief in scarcity or abundance?

You are accepting it simply by the belief that attack can get you something you want. If you did not believe this, the idea of attack would have no appeal for you. T-8.VII.1:4-5

A Course in Miracles (p. 296). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

We identify with our body. This is me, myself, and I. With this identification of bodies in the world of the ego, we falsely believe that we can get what we want by attacking others. If we didn’t believe this, attack would serve no purpose and we wouldn’t engage in it.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. This is a rare attitude as most people see their lives as competition for scarce resources which are in short supply. People act on a belief in scarcity rather than abundance. Therefore the guiding dynamic is conditional rather than unconditional love.

Today it is suggested that we consider whether we are operating out of fear based on a belief in scarcity or unconditional love based on a belief in abundance.

When, if ever, have you felt loved unconditionally?

Can you be separated from your life and your being? The journey to God is merely the reawakening of the knowledge of where you are always, and what you are forever. It is a journey without distance to a goal that has never changed. Truth can only be experienced. It cannot be described and it cannot be explained. I can make you aware of the conditions of truth, but the experience is of God. Together we can meet its conditions, but truth will dawn upon you of itself. T-8.VI.9:5-11

A Course in Miracles (p. 296). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

The Buddhists say “It is what it is.” What is our holiness and oneness with our Creator which we share in which we name “Life”? People say they don’t believe in God but who can say they don’t believe in Life?

In Unitarian Universalism some of us are aware that Francis David said that we need not think alike to love alike. The Truth of God cannot be explained or even completely described. The Truth of God has to be experienced. The Truth of God is that we are loved unconditionally.

Today it is suggested that we recall when, if ever, we felt loved unconditionally. If we have had this experience we are called to share it with others.

Deep heartfelt gratitude for the unconditional love of our Transcendent Source.

Listen to the story of the prodigal son, and learn what God’s treasure is and yours: This son of a loving father left his home and thought he had squandered everything for nothing of any value, although he had not understood its worthlessness at the time. He was ashamed to return to his father, because he thought he had hurt him. Yet when he came home the father welcomed him with joy, because the son himself was his father’s treasure. He wanted nothing else.T-8.VI.4:1-4

A Course in Miracles (pp. 293-294). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

We all wander off into the world of the ego thinking that the ego’s promises will make us happy. We are afraid of our Creator’s wrath as we have been taught to fear by the ego, and yet we have been mistaken and come to realize that our Creator loves us unconditionally.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person which is something our mistakes could never destroy.

Today it is suggested that we allow ourselves to become aware of the unconditional love of our Transcendent Source and express deep heartfelt gratitude for its existence in our lives when we recognize, acknowledge, and accept it.

Our essential goodness and beauty.

Let us glorify Him Whom the world denies, for over His Kingdom the world has no power. No one created by God can find joy in anything except the eternal; not because he is deprived of anything else, but because nothing else is worthy of him. What God and His Sons create is eternal, and in this and this only is Their joy. T-8.VI.3:1-3

A Course in Miracles (p. 293). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

The idea in this passage is mind blowing. In the world of Spirit, unconditional love, there is peace, bliss and glory. Anything else is less than what humans are worthy of and created for.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Anything else is less than what human beings are.

Today it is suggested that we recognize, acknowledge, and reflect on our  essential goodness and beauty and share it with others.

We have a choice: the things that are Caesar’s or the things that are God’s

The world can add nothing to the power and the glory of God and His holy Sons, but it can blind the Sons to the Father if they behold it. You cannot behold the world and know God. Only one is true. I am come to tell you that the choice of which is true is not yours to make. If it were, you would have destroyed yourself. Yet God did not will the destruction of His creations, having created them for eternity. His Will has saved you, not from yourself but from your illusion of yourself. He has saved you for yourself. T-8.VI.2:1-8

A Course in Miracles (p. 293). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Jesus said “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God.” Most people don’t seem to realize that they have a choice. A Course In Miracles teaches that the things of Caesar are not real but illusions that we create that blind us to the joy and peace and glory of God.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The passage above tells us that the glory of God is what is true and yet we continue to look for love in all the wrong places.

Today it is suggested not that we choose unless we are ready, but simply to recognize and acknowledge that we do have a choice: the things that are Caesar’s or the things that are God’s.

We need not think alike to love alike

We are the joint will of the Sonship, whose Wholeness is for all. We begin the journey back by setting out together, and gather in our brothers as we continue together. Every gain in our strength is offered for all, so they too can lay aside their weakness and add their strength to us. God’s welcome waits for us all, and He will welcome us as I am welcoming you. Forget not the Kingdom of God for anything the world has to offer. T-8.VI.1:1-5

A Course in Miracles (p. 293). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

“We begin our journey back by setting out together, and gather in our brothers as we continue together.”

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth.

Today it is suggested that we think about the idea that one is for all and all are for one. We all are in this thing called “Life” together. Francis David said that we need not think alike to love alike.

Which path do you choose: the way of the ego or the way of Spirit?

Leave all illusions behind, and reach beyond all attempts of the ego to hold you back. I go before you because I am beyond the ego. Reach, therefore, for my hand because you want to transcend the ego. My strength will never be wanting, and if you choose to share it you will do so. I give it willingly and gladly, because I need you as much as you need me. T-8.V.6:6-10

A Course in Miracles (pp. 292-293). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Jesus said several times to people, “Come follow me.” I have, I do, I will. Many of us have. Some of us are here on UU A Way Of Life. Following Jesus is not something you just do on Sunday. Following Jesus has nothing to do with joining a church. Following Jesus beyond the ego is a way of life freely chosen not just once in life, but every day, every hour, sometimes every minute. Following Jesus takes a sense of humor about the absurdity of the things in the life of the ego. They make us laugh and with the laughter comes a lightness of being, some call peace, some call joy, some call bliss.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Eventually it dawns on seekers that truth and meaning is not to be found in the world of the ego, conditional love, but in the world of Spirit, unconditional love.

Today it is suggested that we consider which path we choose to follow: the path of Jesus and unconditional love or the path of the ego and conditional love.

We are called to love one another unconditionally.

Would you know the Will of God for you? Ask it of me who knows it for you and you will find it. I will deny you nothing, as God denies me nothing. Ours is simply the journey back to God Who is our home. Whenever fear intrudes anywhere along the road to peace, it is because the ego has attempted to join the journey with us and cannot do so. Sensing defeat and angered by it, the ego regards itself as rejected and becomes retaliative. You are invulnerable to its retaliation because I am with you. On this journey you have chosen me as your companion instead of the ego. Do not attempt to hold on to both, or you will try to go in different directions and will lose the way. T-8.V.5:1-9

A Course in Miracles (p. 292). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

St. Paul writes in his letter to the Corintians, “If God is with you, who can be against you?” God’s will, as the Universalists teach us, is to love unconditionally. The ego tells us that unconditional love is insane and not to be trusted but to be feared. Jesus tells us that one way to love unconditionally is to join with him and ask him for his validation and support and encouragement.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to accept one another and encourage spiritual growth. We do this by example in how we interact with each other not only in words.

Today it is suggested that we ask Jesus to help us love the people we come into contact with unconditionally.

Come follow me.

When you unite with me you are uniting without the ego, because I have renounced the ego in myself and therefore cannot unite with yours. Our union is therefore the way to renounce the ego in you. The truth in both of us is beyond the ego. Our success in transcending the ego is guaranteed by God, and I share this confidence for both of us and all of us. I bring God’s peace back to all His children because I received it of Him for us all. Nothing can prevail against our united wills because nothing can prevail against God’s. T-8.V.4:1-6

A Course in Miracles (p. 292). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition.

Jesus tells us “The truth in both of us is beyond the ego.” and it makes me laugh. Jesus was laughing when he said, as the Romans were killing him, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Life beyond the ego is filled with peace and joy. Rise above the nonsense and the insanity. The promises of the world of the ego are such a joke.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning and seekers come to realize that truth and meaning is not to be found in the world of the ego. Truth and meaning are found by rising above the ego and seeking it in the awareness of the non dual Oneness of unconditional love. Jesus knows this and invites us to join him.

Today it is suggested that we consider what Jesus means when he says to people “Come follow me.” Where is he leading us and if we go with him what will we find?

Our inherent worth and dignity emanates from being an extension of our Transcendent Source.

God’s Oneness and ours are not separate, because His Oneness encompasses ours. To join with me is to restore His power to you because we are sharing it. I offer you only the recognition of His power in you, but in that lies all truth. As we unite, we unite with Him. Glory be to the union of God and His holy Sons! T-8.V.3:1-5

A Course in Miracles (p. 291). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

In the passage above, Jesus makes it explicit that the Atonement is true in that the separation has been healed and we have become One with Him and our Transcendent Source.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person which arises from our Oneness with our creator from which we are an extension.

Today it is suggested that we reflect on the Oneness of Life in which we all share and which gives rise to our inherent worth and dignity.

Becoming aware of our wholiness.

Yet to heal is still to make whole. Therefore, to heal is to unite with those who are like you, because perceiving this likeness is to recognize the Father. If your perfection is in Him and only in Him, how can you know it without recognizing Him? The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself. There is no separation of God and His creation. You will realize this when you understand that there is no separation between your will and mine. Let the Love of God shine upon you by your acceptance of me. My reality is yours and His. By joining your mind with mine you are signifying your awareness that the Will of God is One. T-8.V.2:4-12

A Course in Miracles (p. 291). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

To heal is to make whole. Jesus is referring in this passage to the non dualistic Oneness of which He, and We, and God are one. We all, drops of the ocean, make up the ocean.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the awareness of the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.

Today it is suggested that we rise above our everyday concerns in the world of the ego and experience the healing of being aware of our holiness.

Don’t believe the false promises of the ego that they will deliver peace.

Can you be separated from your identification and be at peace? Dissociation is not a solution; it is a delusion. The delusional believe that truth will assail them, and they do not recognize it because they prefer the delusion. Judging truth as something they do not want, they perceive their illusions which block knowledge. Help them by offering them your unified mind on their behalf, as I am offering you mine on behalf of yours. Alone we can do nothing, but together our minds fuse into something whose power is far beyond the power of its separate parts. By not being separate, the Mind of God is established in ours and as ours. This Mind is invincible because it is undivided. T-8.V.1:1-8

A Course in Miracles (pp. 290-291). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

The bolding above has been added to make it stand out because of its importance. The ocean is greater and more powerful than the separate drops even if the drops refuse to acknowledge that they come from and are part of the ocean. Jesus tells us, in the Course, that we are part of the ocean with him.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning while most people don’t recognize and acknowledge the truth for they prefer or only know the false promises of the world of the ego.

Today it is suggested that we recognize and acknowledge the delusions we cling to hoping that the false promises of the ego will bring us peace. It is further suggested that having recognized and acknowledged these false promises that we engage in unconditional loving from which we have come and to which we return.

Consider the ocean of which we are drops.

When you imprison yourself you are losing sight of your true identification with me and with the Father. Your identification is with the Father and with the Son. It cannot be with One and not the Other. If you are part of One you must be part of the Other, because They are One. The Holy Trinity is holy because It is One. If you exclude yourself from this union, you are perceiving the Holy Trinity as separated. You must be included in It, because It is everything. Unless you take your place in It and fulfill your function as part of It, the Holy Trinity is as bereft as you are. No part of It can be imprisoned if Its truth is to be known. T-8.IV.8:5-13

A Course in Miracles (p. 290). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

The metaphysics of A Course In Miracles is based on the idea of the non dual Oneness,  what we call “God.” All of creation is part of this non dual Oneness. The separation is the work of the ego and the Course teaches is not real.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the awareness of the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.

Unconditional loving is the bestowing of freedom.

 

Freedom is the only gift you can offer to God’s Sons, being an acknowledgment of what they are and what He is. Freedom is creation, because it is love. Whom you seek to imprison you do not love. Therefore, when you seek to imprison anyone, including yourself, you do not love him and you cannot identify with him. T-8.IV.8:1-4

A Course in Miracles (p. 290). Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

Unconditional love is the gift of freedom which God gives to us and wants us to give to each other. If we offer conditional love we imprison others and ourselves.

In Unitarian Universalism some of us join together to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The affirmation and promotion of inherent worth and dignity is the gift of unconditional love. It is said that every person is worth more than their worst act.

Today it is suggested that we consider that unconditional loving is the bestowing of freedom.