This dove escaped from our dove pen 2 weeks ago, I have been watching his whereabouts and perching places in hopes of catching him to save him. Having many, many doves I tend to think about doves and how they are typically viewed . Doves have symbolized peace and are also often used as a symbol representing Christians, or Christ followers.I have been researching this for awhile and believe this is so because of the scriptures in Matthew ( 3:16, 10:16 ) and John 1:32 where John baptizes Jesus and it says " I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven and He remained upon Him ( Jesus)."
This loose and lonesome dove has perched in many trees nearby but prefers to perch on the dove-cote detailing. You can see the rain drops streaming down over this lone dove. Having obtained freedom from his home, he now spends much of the day trying to get back into his home, but will not allow myself or my husband to catch him. He has been eating his seed out of a bowl I placed on a nearby outdoor table.
I have had doves for about 10 years now and I have observed that compared to most other birds doves are very peaceful. They do not stand a chance against hawks, eagles, owls, and we have often seen the latter trying to get to the doves within the pen. The doves coo softly and are peaceful to listen to, so I can see where they get that fine reputation as being symbols of peace.
I have also seen the dark side of doves. They may seem peaceful when compared to the bird kingdom as a whole, but within their own little world they can be cruel and merciless. They will fight other doves for desired nesting spots. They will peck the young and vulnerable of other doves to death, and sometimes there is no apparent reason for the all- out bullying of another dove. I have a few cages and pens reserved for the unfortunate doves I find being bullied and near death. Always, always , upon rescuing a dove from it's "brethren" or a baby from other doves' abuse I call to mind how "Christ followers" who are so often symbolized by the dove,can show amazing mercy to those outside the faith but tear to shreds their brethren for perceived offenses or differences that are trifles in the grand scheme of God's mercy, love, and forgiveness. Then I am all the more thankful God alone knows my heart and He alone is my judge. He is merciful, kind, and loving, and ultimately it is to He alone I am accountable.
"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods , and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth." I John 3:16-18
This dove escaped from our dove pen 2 weeks ago, I have been watching his whereabouts and perching places in hopes of catching him to save him. Having many, many doves I tend to think about doves and how they are typically viewed . Doves have symbolized peace and are also often used as a symbol representing Christians, or Christ followers.I have been researching this for awhile and believe this is so because of the scriptures in Matthew ( 3:16, 10:16 ) and John 1:32 where John baptizes Jesus and it says " I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven and He remained upon Him ( Jesus)."
This loose and lonesome dove has perched in many trees nearby but prefers to perch on the dove-cote detailing. You can see the rain drops streaming down over this lone dove. Having obtained freedom from his home, he now spends much of the day trying to get back into his home, but will not allow myself or my husband to catch him. He has been eating his seed out of a bowl I placed on a nearby outdoor table.
I have had doves for about 10 years now and I have observed that compared to most other birds doves are very peaceful. They do not stand a chance against hawks, eagles, owls, and we have often seen the latter trying to get to the doves within the pen. The doves coo softly and are peaceful to listen to, so I can see where they get that fine reputation as being symbols of peace.
I have also seen the dark side of doves. They may seem peaceful when compared to the bird kingdom as a whole, but within their own little world they can be cruel and merciless. They will fight other doves for desired nesting spots. They will peck the young and vulnerable of other doves to death, and sometimes there is no apparent reason for the all- out bullying of another dove. I have a few cages and pens reserved for the unfortunate doves I find being bullied and near death. Always, always , upon rescuing a dove from it's "brethren" or a baby from other doves' abuse I call to mind how "Christ followers" who are so often symbolized by the dove,can show amazing mercy to those outside the faith but tear to shreds their brethren for perceived offenses or differences that are trifles in the grand scheme of God's mercy, love, and forgiveness. Then I am all the more thankful God alone knows my heart and He alone is my judge. He is merciful, kind, and loving, and ultimately it is to He alone I am accountable.
"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods , and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or tongue, but in deed and truth." I John 3:16-18
Good Sunday Morning Kathy, There always seems to be some folks who think they "make the rules" and decide what is forgiven and what is not. As you say, I am thankful that God alone knows our hearts and is merciful and forgiving. Your doves are so pretty. I hope you are able to return this loner to safety. I hope you have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can catch him one day. I understand what you're saying about the behavior within the church. I know so many who are hurting because of injuries received 'inside' the church. If we miss the commandment to love one another, we will just continue to stumble over everything else.
ReplyDeleteWhat a meaningful post.
Debbie
poor foolish bird - wants so much to be within the safety of dove cote but doesn't realize it takes surrendering to be there. One dear lady here talks about almost bleeding to death from sheep bites - the flock of the church attacking her for a perceived "sin" - apparently many don't believe the Lord will judge - we are called to discernment but not judgment about one another. Good post - we were talking this morning about the telephone poles in our eyes and our uncanny ability to see a speck of dust in another person's eye. Lord thank you for mercy!!!
ReplyDeleteThoughtful post, Kathy. Not too long ago I saw a dove attacking another in just the manner you describe. It was quite disturbing to me because I couldn't see any reason for the attack. We are fortunate to be judged by the One who is all-seeing.
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this about the other side of Doves.
Kathy, May you have a great week and God Bless you!
Your Sister IN Christ,
d from homehaven
Nice pictures!
ReplyDelete~*~Amy~*~
Such a sweet little Dove - I hope you are able to get him back in the pen!
ReplyDeleteKathy, That was an interesting and enlightening post about doves. The verse about laying down our lives for others hits home. Our pastor is rallying other congregations to do more for those in need. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to understand how people hurt each other, for no apparent reason. A lack of love and care? I am grateful for God, and hope others turn to him as well, allowing him to do the judging.
ReplyDeleteI love the rain too, Kathy. It is peaceful. It seems like a bit of rain does wonders for the plants, much better than when we water them from the garden hose.
I love doves :)
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Frenchy
The thought was very inspired too...I understand... I still have a hard time not being affected by other's cruelty.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Frenchy
Well I sure learned something today. I had no clue that Dove's were that mean to each other.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought they were the most peaceful birds.
In regards to our baby mockingbird, hubbie says he just showed up in the garage. Our neighbors tree(where the nest is) is very close to the opening of the garage.
The only Bible reference that I could find that spoke about followers of Christ and doves was Matt.10:16 "...be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." Do you know of any others? The one you referred to at the beginning was at Jesus baptism when the Spirit descended on Jesus "like" a dove (Matt, Mk. & Jn) In Luke it says in the "shape of a dove."
ReplyDeleteThe comparison of the behavior of doves to the Christian life was interesting and true in regards to dependence on God's mercy and the presence of the old nature that rears it's ugly head, but just not a comparison found in the Bible.
It makes a good object lesson when connected with other Scriptures that speak to those characteristics.
Poor thing... I hope you can catch it, Kathy- it is so vulnerable out by itself.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful thought as well... it is never up to us to judge, but only the ONE who knows and sees all.
I love doves...we have lots of gray ones here...beautiful thoughts, thank you. Come say hi :D
ReplyDelete