Kendall the Fire

What you are looking at is a “Dana” Lavender Pearl. In this particular context, the word “Dana” (or Danah, دانة) is an Arabic term referring to a large, exceptionally precious, and perfect pearl. It is widely considered the most prized find among traditional Persian Gulf pearl divers, representing the highest quality in terms of size, shape, and brilliance. Looking at it, one can see why… it’s beautiful.

However, the term “Dana” has a different meaning in cultures with Buddhist or Hindu influence, where it refers to the virtue of generosity, giving, or philanthropy without expecting repayment. (This is also something that I would deem highly desirable.) “Dana” is generosity without a quid pro quo, or in other words, no expectation of “this for that.” Jesus expressed the idea in the Gospels when he said we are to love our enemies… “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them” (Luke 6:32).

In the Hebrew of the Old Testament, “Dana” is the feminine form of “Dan” and means “God is my judge.” I would like to do something some might view as strange and mash it all up. God is the one true judge of what is exceptionally precious and perfect. God is the true judge of what is extravagantly generous. God is the one who defines what the greatest of loves is… “greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Jesus did that for us when he died on the cross to pay the debt for all of our–and all of humanity’s–sins. This is the heart of the Gospel and the essence of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Do you remember Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” If you have found that precious “Dana” pearl of great price–by accepting Jesus as your Redeemer and Savior–you have embraced the greatest love of all. Now, may you and I go about sharing that love, that “good news,” generously without a quid pro quo, with no regard for whether or not there will be any return… no expectation of “this for that.” And, let us share with loved ones or enemies, friend or foe. If you haven’t personally received this gift of love from God… this pearl of great price… my prayer is that you would today.