Many individuals accompany us on the journey of faith and through the wilderness. Some offer us a shoulder to lean on when we tire of the walk. Others ask for our help when they are weary on the journey. With the recent tragic events in the news I often need a way to refocus my thoughts and worries. Today I would invite you to, take some time to reflect on those in your life, past or present, who you want to remember in prayer. Write each name down and reflect on how these relationships provide you opportunities to grow in the ways of love, kindness, hospitality, peace, patience and grace.
Paul's message to the church is that we are to "Live in love as Christ loved us"(Ephesians 5:2). In Colossians 3:14-17, Paul tells us to clothe ourselves in love, letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, treat one another as brothers and sisters, and make everything we do something we do in the name of Jesus Christ.
Our guiding principle for how to live together as the body of Christ is love. At one time it was common for people in the church to address one another as "brother" or "sister". The practice still exists in some traditions and has biblical roots. Paul used the words over 121 times to address his churches, the body of Christ. If we speak and come to think of each another as brothers and sisters- as family- we are more likely to act toward one another with love and care. Paul used brother and sister intentionally. He wished for the church to understand itself as a family.
When we as the church come to understand ourselves as the body of Christ, the living presence of Christ, acting out of love and in the name of Jesus Christ, the world sees the presence of Christ. The gospel is proclaimed in a manner that is apparent to all.
As you continue through your week, may these words from Paul and reflections on how we are called to care for one another as the body of Christ, guide your thoughts and actions.
How will our actions and words reflect our place in the body of Christ this week? How will we proclaim the gospel through these actions and words?
Prayer for Today
Gracious God, in Jesus you call us Christian families and homes to be signs of living faith. By the light of the Holy Spirit, lead us to be thankful for the gift of faith, and by that gift may we grow in our relationship with Jesus, your Son, and be confident witnesses to Christian hope and joy to all we meet.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
