Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.”
NL Daily Devotion for Saturday, August 10, 2019
by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff
Hebrews was written to a community of second-generation Christians who had clearly endured hardships, and some members started falling away. It is full of dire warnings, but it also contains words of great hope. In this section, the writer is concerned that God’s grace, freely given in Christ Jesus, will be rejected by some, and he calls on the community to remain loving and peaceful, without bitterness that might drive people away.
I have been a part of congregations in which friction among individuals and groups has caused widespread bitterness and strife, leading some to leave. On the other hand, I have been a member of congregations in which people share openly and honestly and work out their difficulties so that the community continues to be a nurturing place of peace and holiness. None of us is perfect—all must work to set aside our egos and humbly love and serve one another.
Gracious God, help me to see where I have contributed to bitterness within my communities, and show me the way to contribute to healing. Amen.
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