More direction for life from 1 Peter.
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called - that you might inherit a blessing. (3:8-9)
This is what makes us the transformative community of the followers of Jesus. Above all else, we repay with a blessing. That is the revolutionary word. That is the word that is hard to swallow. That is the word that separates us from all who would want to repay with violence and retribution and war. And yet...it is hard to swallow because it is a hard word. We are called into such a contrary life that we do not fit into its dressing. That is why the Holy Spirit is continually called upon to shape us and lead us and equip us for the journey of life that is quite beyond what everyone in the world expects. How can we be a blessing to others if our lives are not filled with that sense of blessing in all we do? We become a light to all by being the light. I think this was the call presented to Israel and it is the same one presented to us. In Christ, Jesus, we are not given a magic wand...we are given a life that is concrete and demonstrated by the one we call Lord.
Connection: This hard word is hard because we are invited into its life everyday - everyday...and with everyone - everyone. It takes devotion...daily devotion.
You have called us into a life full of the grace of your Reign, O God. Within that life, we entertain one another with with love and compassion, humility and loving kindness. Inspire us to live in the light of your Christ in all of our days. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment