Thursday, April 11, 2019
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2
Our hymns and prayers often speak of forgiveness, justice, love and unity and it’s useful to reflect on whether our ‘talk’ is reflected in our ‘walk’ and is not just sentimental pap, as perceived not only within our community but from outside. Oh, yes we can indeed point to all the wrongs that have been, and still are being, committed in the name of the Christian faith…but that’s not the whole story, is it? Otherwise, why are we on this journey?
We walk the Christian life with our Lord and with our faith community. We choose a way of engaging with the world that is different from the norm; that is one that rejects road rage, gossip, back-stabbing, revenge, holding a grudge, jealousy, dissensions and so on. It is rooted in honesty, authenticity and vulnerability. It is about shaping our own lives, and our shared life, into God’s image, as expressed in Jesus Christ. This is, in turn, nurtured in us, by the grace of God, through the gifts of the Spirit… love joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22. It’s not a once-in-a -lifetime decision. It’s a step-by-step faith marathon which begins anew each day.
For Further Reflection:
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am this dark world’s light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,
And all thy day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that Light of Life I’ll walk
Till trav’lling days are done
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
by Horatius Bonar