This Week's Scripture

Week of March 2

"See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Reflection

From Allen Cox

As I look around in the world today, I see so much impatience, selfishness, and lack of awareness of others. It is so easy to be a “keyboard commando” and express criticism and judgment. Finding fault in others is the quicksand of life. Rarely do we know what the other person’s struggles are. Following my wife’s example, simply asking how someone’s day is going (in an actual sincere way) is very powerful—whether it’s the person working the double shift bussing the table or the co-worker whose outside likely isn’t matching the inside. A close friend of mine shared with me a great perspective: Pain is either transformed or transmitted. If I’m experiencing a less-than-ideal situation, I can either pass that on to the next person who crosses my path by transmitting it, or I can transform it into something good. 

Invitation

Ask the people you interact with how their day is going. It’s entertaining to see reactions of surprise and appreciation because it’s so uncommon to be asked.

If someone has done something that caused a problem, how can you transform that into a positive? If you can’t, how can you keep a small problem small and not make it bigger?

When agitated, stepping back and saying a prayer always is a good practice. Something as simple as “God, save me from being angry.”

This Week's Scripture

Week of February 23

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” (1 John 1:7, NIV)

Reflection

From Natalie Blaess

“To this temple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of Hosts, to-day; with thy wonted loving-kindness hear thy servants as they pray, and thy fullest benediction shed within its walls alway.”

Listen to Blessed City, Heavenly Salem by Edward Bairstow 

Throughout the anthem Blessed City, Heavenly Salem, the text describes heaven and all of its divine beauty. Bairstow shapes these images of pearly gates and streets of gold—a city of pure bliss and virtue. The first three verses are painting pictures of the majesty of heaven. Verses four, five, and six express God’s role as the foundation of such a blessed place. The last two verses serve as a call to action for listeners to pray and worship our Lord.

As the choir sings this heavenly song, the congregation has the opportunity to reflect on their own lives and their relationship with God. Bairstow describes heaven as this majestic city where there is only peace and love. He shapes his perfect world throughout the anthem, giving audiences a goal to act toward. Although we may not be in heaven right now, we can act as though we are. We can pray to God, serve our communities with kindness, and listen to what others have to say. By doing so, we show our passion and loyalty in our beliefs, hopefully reaching our fullest potential in our Lord.

Invitation

What hymns or songs help you worship God? Childhood favorites may spring to mind.

Try once or twice during the day to sing to the Lord with all your heart, even if you are singing to yourself in your head.

Can you create a playlist of songs that help you worship God?

This Week's Scripture

Week of February 16

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)

Reflection

From Emily Tidwell

One interpretation of this verse is that since we are generously loved and beloved by God, we should extend that same love to others. Since we fully know love and are fully loved, it should be easy to share it with others. What are the lyrics to that childhood song?: “Love is not put in your heart to stay. Love is not love until you give it away.” We are to reflect the love of God in this world. We have opportunities to do this every day.

What does this love look like? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 defines it for us in this way: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Ephesians 4:2-3 also describes how we are to love others: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Colossians 3:14 says, “Above all, clothe yourselves in love, which binds us all in perfect harmony.”

Love is also action, as in Matthew 25:35-40: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”  Or as described in Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

At those times when I act fully from love, I have an internal sense and recognition that I am acting at the highest and yet most basic, fundamental level. I feel “born of God and know God.” Love can distinctly feel like a river flowing through us, from its source of God to others. We are a conduit. The image of a river as love reflects abundance, movement, action, beauty, and the lifegiving, revitalizing nature of water itself, like the love that we are passing on to others. I feel directed, energized, true to myself, and at peace when I operate from love.

Invitation

Therefore, ask yourself the following as you contemplate an action this week: Am I doing this out of love? Is this the loving response? How can I do this “X” well through love? How do I channel love to others?

May this be our reminder, guidepost, and goal: “Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

This Week's Scripture

Week of February 9

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24)

Reflection

From Eric Conte-Gordon

In this world, fraught with many challenges and obstacles, it can be daunting to know how to encourage your fellow neighbor to do much of anything, let alone your fellow brother or sister in Christ. Beyond that, how can we be asked to “provoke” one another into love and good works when it's hard enough to focus our energy into ensuring we can do the same for ourselves and those around us? 

Well, let us start to answer this by beginning with the idea that God placed us here for him and for one another. God also placed us here to “love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). It really seems to be that simple, though that might be difficult to grasp at times. However, we go on through the scriptures and find that Paul espouses in Galatians 5:13 to use love to “become enslaved to one another,” or we find in the Old Testament that “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). There truly is no escape from the obligation to love God and all of his creation, and the Bible makes that quite clear. The love that Christians demonstrate for each other allows the world to see what a life transformed by Christ looks like, and that seems like a great basis to go off. 

If we agree that love is the glue that holds us together and the reason God has placed us here, good works are a clear result of that love being put into action. If good works are like a flame, then love is the fuel. Therefore, we should endeavor to build a shining fire of love together as we reflect the kingdom of God on this earth through God’s love, “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). When we accept Christ, we desire to bear good fruit as a testimony to our faith, and that fruit is born of love and is seen by the world as good works. 

This still leaves the question of how we provoke anyone, including ourselves, to practice love or good works. The answer lies in the lead-up to our scripture reading: “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23). 

You must hold fast. You must grab on tight to your belief in Jesus. In order to provoke another into love and good works, you need to be holding onto that promise yourself with all of your might. You must have “provoked” your own heart to accept the love that is freely given to you by God and the forgiveness you have received from Christ’s sacrifice; this is the hope you must grasp.  From there, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Lord Jesus” (Colossians 1:17). You should be giving that hope, love, and promise up to everyone you encounter, regardless of who they are. As Paul asks us to do, you should “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7) and “love one another, because love is from God” (1 John 4:7).  Through this unbound and freely given love, the fruit of good works will come to being and those around you will be drawn to the ever-growing light building in the world and emulate it.

Prayer

Gracious God, for love you created all things and gave all of us life that we might love you and know your love for us; as Jesus commanded us to love you with our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor, may my heart accept and rejoice in your love and let it overflow in my life to those around me through good works and true compassion for your creation. Amen.

Invitation

Are you holding fast to your faith in Jesus so you can help others do the same?

How does love encourage you to help others and participate in good works?

This Week's Scripture

Week of February 2

“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:25)
 

Reflection

From Mary Jackson

What a comforting thought that no matter what our station in life, in God’s eyes we are all equal and He cares for us without consideration of what that station is! In the passage from which this verse is taken, Paul makes the point that a body has many parts and that all the parts are formed to work together. Even the least of the parts is necessary. The body that Paul speaks of is a metaphor for Christ’s Church.

We are made in the image of God. Scripture tells us that we should love one another as God loves us. Jesus’s ministry was often to the outcast and the unattractive. We are sometimes presented with circumstances in which we would rather not interact with those who are unattractive or downtrodden. How do we react? Do we see Jesus in these people? Do we care for them as we care for ourselves? If we were an outcast, how would we expect to be treated?

Scripture tells us that God cares for the birds of the air and even knows the number of the hairs on our heads. The example we are given points us to the care we must exercise to make sure that there is no division in the body, that is, the Church. Christians are called to rejoice when something happens to a member that is good, comfort when there is a crisis, to build up the discouraged, and to correct when necessary—just as a loving family does.

St. Teresa of Calcutta worked to care for the sick and poorest of the poor. Her goal was to serve the unwanted, the unloved, and those no one else cared for. While we all may not live as St. Teresa lived, we can all open our eyes to care for all those who are part of the Church. After all, that is our family.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise you for giving us your Church. We ask that our eyes be opened to the image of Jesus in everyone we see and that we treat everyone as Jesus would have treated them. We ask that all divisions within the Church be healed so that the Church may reflect your glory. We ask this all in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Invitation

Make time this week to check in on someone who may feel overlooked. Let them know they are valued and loved as an essential part of God’s family.

Spend time in prayer, asking God to heal divisions and bring his people together in mutual love and care for one another.

This Week's Scripture

Week of January 26

“Forgive one another as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Reflection

From Will Harwell

In this verse, Paul is calling for Christians to forgive just as Christ does. In my life, I struggle to forgive in the full way Paul is calling for. Christ’s forgiveness has no boundaries, which humans find difficult to understand. Jesus calls us to seek out the outsiders of our society and show them love. I struggle with this idea because the world is telling me to forget about these people and condemn them, but Christ wants us to seek relationships with everyone just as he did. In the context of St. George’s, the Church can show forgiveness by accepting all and not looking down on anyone. Everyone should be welcome to worship the Lord because at the end of the day we are all seen the same in the eyes of God.

Invitation

Is it difficult for you to forgive others, especially those who are different?

Is there anyone you need to forgive? Maybe a group of people?

How can you show forgiveness in your daily life?

This Week's Scripture

Week of January 19

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)

Reflection

From Rebecca Harris

In times of mourning and uncertainty, the apostle Paul's words provide profound comfort to believers facing loss. Addressing the Thessalonians, who were understandably distressed over the fate of their deceased Christian friends, Paul reassures them of the hope found in Christ’s return. He emphasizes that death does not sever a believer's connection to Christ; rather, those who have died will be resurrected and reunited with those who are still alive at His coming. This promise forms the core of Christian hope and serves as an anchor during times of grief.
Believers are encouraged to comfort one another with this hope, fostering a communal resilience in the face of sorrow. The significant lesson here is that, although mourning is natural, it should not lead to despair, as Christians possess a unique hope that death is not the end. The promise of being together eternally with the Lord calls believers to live with a forward-looking perspective, encouraging mutual support and love within the Christian community. 

Source: TheBibleSays

Prayer

Thank You, Heavenly Father of all mercies—the God of all comforts, who brings healing to the broken-hearted, consolation to the suffering, comfort to the soul, and hope in the assurance of the return of Jesus.

Invitation

Are there ways that you can encourage people in your life?  
Can you find ways to strengthen others, even when they are not in the midst of strife, simply by being fully present to them?
 

This Week's Scripture

Week of January 12

“And pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16b)

Reflection

From Ridge Barr

James 5:16b tells us we are to "pray for each other so that you may be healed." A healthy, theocentric church community rallies to support, not shame, those struggling with sin and suffering. As faithful Christians, we must remain continually attentive to the needs of others through prayer. Prayer is our most effective tool for those hurting; one meant to break down barriers in miraculous ways. As a young adult, I find it especially helpful to have set times for prayer throughout the day. Consistency in prayer continues to allow me to see God's hand in both my own and others' lives.

Invitation

Take some time now to pray for someone.

How can you pray on a daily basis for others?

Do you keep a prayer journal or list?

The Book of Common Prayer is full of prayers of confession, healing, and all types of prayers. Take some time this week to look through the prayer book.  

Is there someone in particular you can pray for this week?

This Week's Scripture

Week of January 5

 “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)

Reflection

From Bob Christenberry

Consider with me the context of the immediately abutting scripture, fore and aft: 1st Peter 4:8-10: "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s Grace in its various forms."

No one knows for sure that the apostle Peter actually penned these words. He was, after all, a roughhewn Galilean fisherman of questionable skills of literacy. No scholar doubts, though, that he, the imperfect but maybe the most remarkably redeemed man in the New Testament, was the very real author of these words. If they were not his own writing, they were likely spoken by him and remembered by those close at his side.

Let’s remember who he was talking to. These were first-century Christians. A small minority, scattered and vulnerable throughout the Mediterranean region. Oppressed, their very lives endangered for their dogged and unwavering beliefs, faithfully hoping and believing that Christ would return in glory during their lifetimes.

As Margery explained to us in her sermon on November 10, hospitality for these people was not about a nice party for their friends and family with an expensive Pinot Noir, camembert cheese, and rosemary crackers. It was not even about going the step further to have clean sheets and a new bar of French-milled soap in the guest suite. It was about being a people always at the ready to shelter and care for the strangers, the unknowns, the most desperately needy—without a check-out time, often at their own peril of increased exposure to those who wished to harm them all.

This is about as convicting as it gets for me in our weekly confession of sin: "Forgive us for . . . Those . . . sins . . . we have left undone…We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves." It’s uncomfortable to realize how we fall short of Peter’s brand of hospitality—sometimes simply ignoring the shortest of distances to the obvious within our own neighborhoods—but we need not fold our hands in disappointment with ourselves.

Perhaps we should try best to balance those words of confession upon the shoulders of the hospitality Peter describes: "Love each other deeply…you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." And yes, we are charged to offer this courageous and sacrificial hospitality without grumbling. Some St. Georgians are already yoked in, following this holy charge, working with their sleeves rolled up, without piety, and in good cheer. They inspire the rest of us; and we are empowered, even now, with God’s promised grace, to join them.

Invitation

What does Peter’s type of hospitality mean to you? Have you ever received much-needed hospitality? If you think about your church life, where can you show hospitality? Where can you show it in your daily life?

This Week's Scripture

Week of December 29

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)

Reflection

From Jonathan Morphett

Paul has prayed for the unity and harmony of the church in Rome.  In Romans 15:7, he is instructing them (and us) one more time to welcome each other as Christ has welcomed them.  Why? It is all to add to the glory of God in which we have the privilege and joy of participating as a Christian community.  So let us embrace and welcome each other’s differences, whether in strength of faith or beliefs or background or culture (or favorite service location), and continue adding to the glory of God.

Romans 15:1–7 concludes Paul's teaching on how Christians with strong faith, those who understand their freedom from the law, should live with those of weaker faith. All Christians must please each other and not themselves. After all, Christ didn't come to please Himself. With God's help and encouragement, everyone in the church can live together in harmony and glorify God with one, unified voice as they serve each other ahead of themselves. They must welcome each other as Christ has welcomed them.

The following is an excerpt from an article by Ken Weliever that I think is helpful.  He uses the NIV translation of Romans 15:7 which uses the word “accept” in place of “welcome.” The full article can be found here.

The word “accept” in this text means, “to take as one’s companion; to take by the hand and lead. To grant access to one’s heart; to take into friendship.

To accept our brother and sister in Christ is not just to begrudgingly put up with them. It is not just to belong to the same church, but having nothing to do with them. (Instead,)It is to welcome them,  to extend to them the right hand of fellowship; to extend to them all the prerogatives and privileges of every other member.

We accept our fellow brothers and sisters because Christ has accepted us. We’ve been welcomed into fellowship with the lord. We’ve been forgiven for our sins. We’ve been made an heir of salvation. We belong to the Lord by his grace and mercy. Thus, we should accept others.

Accepting one another is the mark of a healthy spiritual family. We all share a common faith, are joined by a common love, and sustained by a common hope. This understanding greatly aids in fostering unity in the Body of Christ.

Sometimes accepting one another is difficult and demanding, but it can be accomplished when we follow the dictates of Scripture in Romans 14 and 15:

Avoid passing judgment. (Romans 14:1-4)
Commit yourself to live for Christ. (Romans 15:5-12)
Control your attitudes and emotions with love. (Romans 14:13-18)
Edify everyone you can. (Romans 14:19-21)
Privately hold to your personal convictions. (Romans 14:22-23)
Treasure people like Jesus does. (Romans 15:1-3)

Invitation

How can you welcome others today with the same love and grace that Christ has shown you? How do you bring glory to God in your daily life?