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Compassion: BFG Handbook Chapter 69 (The Power of Yielding)
Discover the highlights of this chapter shaping the New Evangelization today: https://www.builtforgreatness.com/tao-te-ching-chapter-69-compassion/
What happens when ancient Eastern wisdom meets Christian scripture? The answer might revolutionize how you handle every conflict in your life.
Our deep dive into Chapter 69 of the BFG handbook—a Christian interpretation of the Tao Te Ching—reveals counterintuitive principles that flip conventional wisdom on its head. Imagine military advice suggesting stillness over attack and retreat over advancement. Picture being "fully armed without weapons" and "advancing without moving forward." These paradoxes aren't just philosophical abstractions; they offer practical wisdom for navigating opposition in our everyday lives.
The core revelation? "When evenly opposing forces meet, the victory will go to the compassionate side that yields." This teaching directly challenges our cultural programming that equates yielding with weakness. Drawing from biblical examples like Moses at the Red Sea instructing Israel to "be still" and Jesus's apparent defeat at the crucifixion that became the ultimate victory, we explore how compassion and yielding can actually be profound expressions of strength.
We break down these principles through the Trinitarian MAP framework—Mindset, Aim, and Practice—giving you practical ways to cultivate stillness, humility, vigilance, and compassion in the face of conflict. What's truly fascinating is how these wisdom principles appear across major world traditions: Buddhism's teaching that "hatred doesn't cease by hatred," Hinduism's emphasis on humility, and Islam's instruction to "repel evil with good" all echo this universal truth.
Whether you're facing workplace tension, relationship conflict, or spiritual battles, this episode offers a revolutionary alternative to the force-with-force approach that dominates our culture. Could your next conflict be transformed by having the courage to yield rather than the need to dominate? Listen now to discover a different kind of strength.
Today we're jumping into something pretty unique, I think, really thought-provoking. Our source is chapter 69, compassion, from the BFG handbook, and it's described as a Christian edition of the Tao Te Ching.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's a fascinating combination, isn't it? And it's deliberately reinterpreting ideas you find in Christian scripture and the Tao Te Ching, looking for that common ground, maybe a fresh angle.
Speaker 1:Absolutely so. Our mission for this deep dive is to really pull out the key insights from this chapter, especially around things like you know, conflict, strength. What victory even means? Here I want to dig into the well, the surprising wisdom, and see how it connects across these traditions that seem, on the surface, quite different.
Speaker 2:And the goal really is to help you understand what it might mean to find strength in places you wouldn't normally look like stillness or humility, even compassion, especially when you're up against something.
Speaker 1:Okay, starting with the core message, Chapter 69 kicks off with this military saying. That honestly sounds like the complete opposite of how we usually think about conflict.
Speaker 2:It really does. It says I prefer not to attack but rather to be still. I prefer not to advance an inch, but rather to retreat a foot.
Speaker 1:My first thought is just isn't that giving up Like surrender?
Speaker 2:Well, that's the usual way to look at it, right? But then the chapter immediately follows with these almost poetic kind of paradoxical descriptions of engagement like advancing without moving forward, rolling up one's sleeves without bearing one's arms, engaging the enemy without confrontation and even being fully armed without any weapons.
Speaker 1:How can you be fully armed with no weapons? It feels like a riddle. So it's not saying be passive, but maybe a different kind of strength, a different way to act.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It sort of flips our usual script. But and this is crucial right after laying out this very counterintuitive approach, the chapter gives a pretty serious warning.
Speaker 1:It says so it's not saying the threat isn't real, it's not naive. It acknowledges a powerful opponent exists.
Speaker 2:Precisely, and the source connects this directly to Christian scripture. It brings up passages like 1 Peter 5 and Ephesians 6.
Speaker 1:Which warn about spiritual adversaries, Satan, unseen forces.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It underlines that, yes, you need to be vigilant, the enemy is real and powerful, but the strength you need isn't just human muscle. It means relying on God.
Speaker 1:That's a key difference. Be aware of the enemy's power, but your response isn't the typical attack. So if you're choosing stillness and retreat, but you know the enemy is strong, how does the chapter say you actually will win? What's victory look like in this view?
Speaker 2:And this is where it gets really surprising. The central conclusion is therefore when evenly opposing forces meet, the victory will go to the compassionate side that yields.
Speaker 1:Okay, victory through yielding Everything sports, business, politics tells you, victory comes from overpowering the other side, from not backing down.
Speaker 2:And this is where the BFG uses Christian scripture to unpack why yielding in this specific context isn't weakness, why it's actually a path to a different kind of win. Well, take the idea of stillness and trusting God. That echoes Exodus 14,. You know the Israelites at the Red Sea. Moses says be still and see the salvation of the Lord.
Speaker 1:Right when they were trapped.
Speaker 2:Exactly, or Psalm 37.7,. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. These are times when human effort just isn't enough. You have to trust something bigger.
Speaker 1:So stillness isn't doing nothing. It's like an act of waiting, trusting, making space for God.
Speaker 2:Yes, precisely. And then think about those paradoxes advancing without moving, engaging without confrontation. The source links this to how Christ himself operated Proverbs 14 advises caution, not flying off the handle in conflict, and Matthew 5, profoundly Jesus, telling us to love our enemies, pray for persecutors. How did he overcome the world? Not with an army, but with truth, love and, ultimately, self-sacrifice.
Speaker 1:And the source mentions his yielding to arrest, To crucifixion. It looked like total defeat, but it was framed as trusting the Father's plan.
Speaker 2:Yes, Framing that apparent weakness, that death as the actual path to victory over sin and death, it completely redefines winning.
Speaker 1:So that core idea of victory to the compassionate side that yields it connects to how God and Jesus are shown.
Speaker 2:That's the argument. Isaiah 63 talks about God as a compassionate Savior delivering through mercy, not just raw power. Hebrews 2 shows Jesus becoming like us, full of compassion, specifically so he could save us.
Speaker 1:So the source is saying that what looks like weakness, like yielding, is actually demonstrating divine compassion, and that is the path to true victory in God's kingdom a path God and Jesus walked.
Speaker 2:That's the core challenge in this first section restore. It asks you to radically rethink strength and conflict, to try on Christ-like compassion. Trust God's power over just human effort. Be aware of the spiritual fight and see victory not just in winning arguments or battles, but maybe through yielding to God's wisdom, following Jesus' lead.
Speaker 1:That's a huge reframing, but, wow, it sounds incredibly hard. How do you actually do that? How do you go from hearing yield be compassionate to actually applying it when things get tough? A difficult conversation, a business deal, a personal struggle.
Speaker 2:And that leads perfectly into the renewal section. This part offers a practical way forward, a method for transformation. It uses what the source calls the Trinitarian MAP framework. Map yeah Mindset, aim and practice Guided by God's love, shaping your mindset. Trust in the sun directing your aim, and faith in the Holy Spirit guiding your practice.
Speaker 1:MAP Okay, like a roadmap for inner change. Walk us through this with the principles we just talked about. Let's start with that first one the power of stillness and strategic withdrawal patience. What's the mindset?
Speaker 2:The mindset here is about cultivating real patience and discernment. It's getting it deep down that constant action isn't always the best way. Sometimes stepping back, being still, is actually way more effective than just rushing in. It's trusting a different timing, valuing thoughtful action over just reacting. Think Psalm 46, be still and know that I am God. That really nails the mindset.
Speaker 1:So the mental shift is seeing that pause not as failure but as potentially really strategic, like deciding to just breathe and wait in a tense argument instead of firing back.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and the aim, if the mindset is the why, the aim is the what? What are you trying to achieve with that stillness? Here, the aim is to actively seek peace and stillness before you act, focusing your intention on really understanding the situation from a calm place, creating that inner space for God's guidance. Exodus 14, saying the Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.
Speaker 1:Okay, mindset Stillness has value. Aim Seek peace, clarity, God's input through it. What about the practice?
Speaker 2:value, aim, seek peace, clarity, god's input through it. What about the practice? Practice is the behavior taking those deliberate steps, pausing, seeking clarity before you jump in or react, you know, consciously stepping back in tense moments or really making sure you listen and think before responding in important relationships. It's the habit of making room for wisdom.
Speaker 1:That MAP approach does help break it down. Okay, let's try it on the second principle Advancing without moving forward, or that strength and humility in action.
Speaker 2:Okay, for this one, the mindset is about fostering deep humility, being prepared, being ready, but without needing to show off or compete constantly. It's understanding that real strength comes from, like internal growth, positioning yourself wisely, not from getting pats on the back or confronting everyone. The belief is that real success comes from quiet preparation and character Proverbs 22.3 about the prudent, seeing danger and taking cover. That's quiet positioning. Or 1 Peter 3.15, being ready to give an answer, prepared but not aggressive.
Speaker 1:So the inner conviction is getting strong doesn't mean being loud, it means quietly getting ready, building who you are. What's the aim then?
Speaker 2:The aim is to actively go after humility and readiness, rather than chasing recognition or picking fights. You're equipped, you're prepared, but your goal isn't to flaunt it or force things. It's being ready to serve or act when it's right, but without that personal drive for dominance. It's being ready to serve or act when it's right, but without that personal drive for dominance. Philippians 2.3, valuing others, luke 14.11, humbling yourself.
Speaker 1:that captures this aim of seeking a low service-focused place, aiming to be ready and humble, not aiming for the spotlight and the practice.
Speaker 2:Practice is actively serving, humbling yourself before others, even when you could assert yourself, choosing humility, avoiding the need for applause.
Speaker 1:Like servant leadership.
Speaker 2:Exactly. The source points to Mark 10.44, Jesus saying the greatest is the servant. That practice, whether big leadership roles or small acts of kindness, builds trust and respect way more than demanding it. It's acting like Christ.
Speaker 1:Thinking of service as the practice of strength. Okay, principle three the dangers of underestimating the enemy, or vigilance and caution.
Speaker 2:Right. The mindset here is well grounded humility and constant vigilance. It's knowing deep down that challenges opposition. Even subtle temptations, are often trickier or stronger than they look. Refusing to just assume things will be easy. 1 Peter 5.8, the devil prowling like a lion. Or 1 Corinthians 10, careful if prowling like a lion. Or 1 Corinthians 10, careful if you think you stand firm. That's the mindset.
Speaker 1:So the belief is don't be naive, take threats seriously inside and out, like a business owner respecting competition, not dismissing them, or someone serious about growth, knowing bad habits are persistent.
Speaker 2:The aim the aim is to be vigilant and cautious, practically Acknowledging the real weight of challenges ahead of time. It's not pessimism, maybe cautious optimism. The goal is to fully grasp the hurdles and risks before you jump in. Proverbs 22.3 again, the prudence seeing evil and hiding that name of taking protective steps based on foresight.
Speaker 1:So aiming for good risk assessment, basically Aiming to set boundaries, maybe seeking accountability and the practice.
Speaker 2:Practice is consistently staying aware, staying vigilant about challenges day to day. It's the ongoing work of preparing, planning with wisdom, based on that cautious aim Preparing spiritually, emotionally, mentally, knowing when to push, when to hold back, grounding your actions in faith, not just your own strength. First, corinthians 16, be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, sums up that practice of active, prepared watching.
Speaker 1:Preparedness from wisdom and faith. Okay, final principle Compassion leads to victory. What's the driving mindset?
Speaker 2:The mindset is fully embracing compassion, humility and a deep-seated non-aggression as the real path to victory, Believing that yielding with love, with wisdom, is ultimately stronger than force or pride. This mindset sees compassion as disarming hostility, opening doors for peace, letting God's wisdom guide things. It's not human anger. Live at peace with everyone. That's the core belief.
Speaker 1:So the conviction is love and mercy are the best tools, even in conflict, like deciding internally to approach that tough work conversation with empathy or prioritizing the relationship over winning the argument in your family.
Speaker 2:Precisely. And the aim? The aim is actively pursuing compassion and being willing to yield when faced with opposition, setting your intention to respond with gentleness, with love. The goal is real, lasting peace and understanding, recognizing that yielding in this way can actually break down hostility and open up reconciliation.
Speaker 1:Letting go of needing to win.
Speaker 2:Yeah, letting go of that personal need to dominate and aiming instead for preserving the relationship seeking understanding.
Speaker 1:Aiming for peace over personal victory. So the practice how do you do compassion and yielding when someone's pushing back?
Speaker 2:The practice is actively choosing compassion, choosing a willingness to yield to God's will when opposition arises, deliberately not trying to overpower the other person, approaching conflict with love, empathy, trying to understand.
Speaker 1:That sounds incredibly hard.
Speaker 2:It is. But the source emphasizes Yielding isn't weakness here. It's an act that acknowledges God's bigger plan, god's timing. It actually fosters peace, reconciliation. It shows the power in surrendering your own need for control or revenge to God. Matthew 5.7, romans 12.17 again that practice of overcoming evil with good through compassion.
Speaker 1:So the action is choose the compassionate path, listen, offer understanding, trust God's process, even if it feels wrong or means accepting something not ideal, trusting God's working in it. You mentioned a fifth point under practice too.
Speaker 2:Yes, practicing unwavering faith and non-contention. This sort of underlies all the others. It's actively cultivating a spirit where you consistently choose peace over conflict, fundamentally trusting God's strength will ultimately prevail, securing the true victory. It's a whole lifestyle of walking in God's peace, resisting that urge to dominate or defeat people with human tactics, and handling problems personal, professional, spiritual with grace, compassion and just unwavering reliance on God.
Speaker 1:Exodus 14, the Lord will fight for you seems key here, and Matthew 23 on servant leadership, rejecting dominance. So in life it's prioritizing peace in workplace disputes, looking for win-win solutions, or leaning on God's peace in personal struggles instead of forcing things.
Speaker 2:Exactly this whole renewal section applying these principles through mindset, aim and practice. It really gives you a roadmap for that inner transformation Cultivating humility, patience, compassion, wisdom aligning yourself inside and out with God's purpose.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've got the core message restore and a framework for applying it personally renewal. Now the third section respond. This is where things get broader, right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because the result of renewal, of actually internalizing these principles, is being able to respond to the world in a way that sees and embraces shared truths, even across different cultures and religions.
Speaker 1:That's a big idea.
Speaker 2:It is the source uses that quote from St Thomas Aquinas. Truth cannot contradict truth, the idea being if something's fundamentally true about how things work or how humans flourish, you might just find echoes of it in various wisdom traditions.
Speaker 1:Interesting, and the source then shows how these principles we've discussed pop up in other major world religions.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Take the first one, non-contention and compassion, as the path to victory. We saw the Christian basis in Matthew 5.7.
Speaker 1:And the parallels are fascinating. The source points to Buddhism, the Dhammapada, saying hatred doesn't cease by hatred, only by love. Hinduism's Bhagavad Gita mentions nonviolence and freedom from anger as divine qualities, and the Quran tells believers to repel evil with that which is better.
Speaker 2:What unites these, despite the different contexts, is the shared idea that real resolution, real victory, comes through compassion and positive action, not force. It's like a universal path to healing conflict, fostering understanding, whether it's just between two people or on a bigger stage.
Speaker 1:I feel like a universal truth about handling conflict. What about humility as the greatest strength we have? The Christian example, Mark 10, being a servant.
Speaker 2:Again, really strong parallels. Buddhism teaches he who is humble is esteemed by all. Hinduism's Bhagavad Gita lists humility as vital for spiritual growth, and Islam, in the Quran, describes true servants walking humbly and responding to harshness with words of peace.
Speaker 1:So, across these traditions, there's this shared sense that real power isn't puffing yourself up, but serving others, knowing your place relative to the divine and other people. Humility isn't just nice, it's a source of strength that builds unity, a universal connector.
Speaker 2:Then there's the power of non-attachment and stillness.
Speaker 1:We link that to be still and know that I am god in christianity and the parallels buddhism's focus on detachment from desires for peace, hinduism's bhagavad-gita talking about acting without attachment to the outcome, and maybe even in islam, the idea of returning greetings with something better suggests a measured, centered response, not just impulse what unites these is the wisdom of finding inner peace, not being constantly tossed around by circumstances or desires.
Speaker 2:Finding that calm center aligning with a higher will, making choices from wisdom, not just reactivity.
Speaker 1:And finally, the strength of yielding and wisdom in conflict, overcoming evil with good, from Romans 12.
Speaker 2:You see this wisdom echoed everywhere Buddhism advising against revenge, letting go of hatred. Hinduism teaching that the wise find peace through yielding, not violence. And Islam, again, repelling evil with something better.
Speaker 1:It's powerful seeing that shared thread, that real strength in conflict isn't about matching force with force, but having the self-control, the compassion, the wisdom to choose a different way, a way that seeks peace, understanding, overcomes negativity with kindness, choosing cooperation over just competition.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. This response section, by showing these parallels, really highlights how deep these ideas wisdom, humility, compassion, nonviolence run across human spiritual understanding. They aren't just confined to one box, they seem to be universal guides for living well together and handling conflict constructively.
Speaker 1:So this deep dive has really taken us on a journey from those counterintuitive military sayings through a framework for personal change and now seeing these universal threads across major faiths.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we've seen how this source presents stillness as a form of advancement, being weaponless as being fully armed, the real danger of underestimating challenges and, maybe most surprisingly, how compassion and yielding can actually be the path to true victory.
Speaker 1:And the BFG handbook. By explicitly making these connections Christian scripture alongside principles from the Tao Te Ching, buddhism, hinduism, islam. It offers this incredibly rich perspective on strength and conflict, one that really does seem to transcend specific beliefs.
Speaker 2:And for you listening. We hope this deep dive has offered a kind of shortcut to understanding these really profound concepts, giving you not just the ideas but hopefully some concrete mindsets, aims and practices with that MAP framework.
Speaker 1:Here's a final thought to leave you with. In a world that so often equates strength with aggression and winning with simply overpowering others, consider this what if embracing compassion, what if choosing to yield in wisdom isn't just different, but maybe the most revolutionary and, ultimately, the most powerful approach of all?