Church devotion: Being Christian - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

 

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

There’s something wrong with our faith when we polarize it and seek to demonize others for having different opinions and lifestyles. The older I become, the more I realize that the greatest gift God gave to the world was the sacred act of reconciliation through His beloved Son. God could have chosen to have us remain sinners and be cast out of God’s presence for all of eternity; instead, God decided to send His Son into the world to free us from our sins and offer us the blessing of everlasting life.

God also gave us a divine example on how we should practice our faith. If we are endlessly castigating others for their lack of faith or different beliefs, we are following our own selfish agenda. If, however, we want to walk in God’s shoes on Earth, we need to find ways to reconcile our differences and heal the wounds we may have caused. It will be a hard task to undertake and fulfill – but Christ never told us that carrying and practicing our faith would ever be easy.

So, today, let’s make the Kingdom of God real in our lives. Let’s look for opportunities to reconcile with one another instead of promoting discord and division. If we dare call ourselves Christians, then we should follow in His footsteps and fully apply His teaching of reconciling love.

Q: Am I guilty of sowing discord and causing divisions? Will I comply with Christ’s command to love one another?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, only You can save our people; only You can save the world. Your perfect love enabled God to be reconciled with us sinners. Help and encourage us to do the same to honor Your Name and fulfill Your ministry in today’s world. Amen.

 

What We See - 2 Corinthians 5:7

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (NRSV)

            Sometimes the things that we see deeply affect us. It may a tragic news report on the television, or a posted picture online of some disaster far away. It could be the hurt we see in a loved ones’ eyes or real disappointment in the face of someone we know. We may have witnessed a terrible accident or looked upon a lost individual wandering the streets. We may have tentatively read a doctor’s report or a sad letter about someone’s sudden death. Whatever the case, the things that we see often have a profound effect on our emotions, mental health, and spiritual well-being.

            During those moments, I wonder how many of us say a silent prayer, asking for God’s help and guidance? How many times do we see something upsetting or beyond our control and quickly turn to God for a deeper understanding or a better outcome? We inwardly retreat to our soul-shell and quietly wait on God to do something to make things easier, if not better, or to make our burden lighter, if not gone. We faithfully rely on God to work things out, to keep us walking by faith, and not be overshadowed by what we see. Faith becomes the pillar of prayer that we can lean on, as well as the fountain of fortitude where we can find the strength to carry on. It may not be easy at first, but it can be beneficial to realize God’s part in our healing, recovery, and restoration. We may have seen something which concerns us, but we also believe in Someone who is concerned for us.

            Whatever occurs this week and wherever you go, you are never out of God’s sight, nor are you ever outside of His grace. Know that you are constantly loved and will be given the guidance you need.

Point to ponder

What is troubling me right now? Am I ready to share this with God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You came into the world to show us how to find God, so that we may place our faith and lives in His hands. You know our present concerns and worries; You know our difficulties and issues. Help us to rely on Your words so that we may be reassured about finding the strength, hope, and love we each need in our lives. In Your Holy Name, we simply pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to give feedback about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Lenten Prayer.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Prayer.