8th Fruit — Clarifications …
First off, please note that Divine Joy’s detachment from all future-based hope is not to be confused with “callousness.” Even though a Right Action is fundamentally unconcerned with its consequences at the time of decision-making, it still accepts complete responsibility for any consequences that do ensue thereafter (“Do not neglect to Do Good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” ~ Hebrews 13:16). It is this selfless intention allows our actions to be unhindered by potential guilt …Of course, if an action does happen to unintentionally cause another pain, the Child of God has compassion for that person and apologizes; all the while remaining grounded in the knowledge that his or her original choice – while obviously not to be repeated – was Right regardless at the time of its making (“God’s foolishness is wiser than human knowledge, and God’s weakness is stronger than human might.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:25) … Divine Joy can only exist when shame, embarrassment, and guilt are all completely extinguished, and this can only take place when we choose to act lovingly in the moment, for that moment …
Similarly, while truly Joyful actions do tend to focus one’s attention in the more minute wonders of the present moment, they are not oblivious to life’s “bigger picture” (“Look at what is before your eyes.” ~ 2 Corinthians 10:7) … Seeing the specialness of the moment in no way requires you to neglect life in general, much less forget the bigger vision that inspired such a choice in the first place (“Unless you see Signs & Wonders, you will not Believe … If you Believe, you will See the Glory of God.” ~ Jesus in John 4:48 & 11:46) … There is a marked difference between awareness and “tunnel-vision.” The former is focused on wonders that reside within the interconnected Whole, while the latter is oblivious to that Interconnection and focuses instead solely on the object at hand (“The darkness is passing away … The True Light is already shining.” ~ 1 John 2:8) …
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