Proving What is Good, Part 1
Yesterday we started looking at the Peace Prayer of St. Francis and what it would look like if we really did try to live it out. So much of it involves almost living counter culturally. Paul urged us to, "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2, NKJV)
Today, I'd like to look closely at the first two lines...
It doesn't take long to find hatred in today's world. So, in a strange way that's good news, because that means we can sow love anywhere - wherever we find ourselves - and it will positively impact our surroundings. What do you think that means, though, to 'sow love'? For me, it goes back to Jesus being asked which was the greatest commandment and stating that, after loving God, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Easier said than done, of course, but that's where the bar has been set.
When we consider that "our neighbor" pretty much includes everyone, we realize that the bar is set really high. So, the only preconceived notion that we should approach anyone with - the only bias that we should have with any individual - is that we are to love them. It doesn't matter what race, religion, political affiliation (or any other grouping that today's culture likes to divide us into) someone may be, our first job is to love them. It sounds so simple, doesn't it?
This line is all about forgiveness, in my opinion. Again, as Jesus instructed us, we are to forgive others (Matt 6:14-15 NKJV). But, this is not the way off the world, is it? If someone hurts us ('where there is injury'), the last thing we typically want to do is to 'pardon', or forgive them. We want to get even! We want them to pay for their actions. We want them to suffer consequences. Alas, this is not the way Jesus would have this play out. Those ways aren't really showing, or sowing, love, now are they?
When we act and respond in these counter-cultural ways, it causes those around us to look twice and question why we are behaving they way that we are. By not conforming to this world, we begin to "prove what is good" in God's eyes. We act as he would have us act. We become obedient to His will and not the will of this world.
Once again, all so easy to say. The challenge is in putting it into practice. I challenge you today, though, to find just one opportunity where you can 'sow love' to your neighbor or quickly 'pardon' and forgive someone. I'm sure you will be blessed by doing so.
Today, I'd like to look closely at the first two lines...
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
It doesn't take long to find hatred in today's world. So, in a strange way that's good news, because that means we can sow love anywhere - wherever we find ourselves - and it will positively impact our surroundings. What do you think that means, though, to 'sow love'? For me, it goes back to Jesus being asked which was the greatest commandment and stating that, after loving God, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). Easier said than done, of course, but that's where the bar has been set.
When we consider that "our neighbor" pretty much includes everyone, we realize that the bar is set really high. So, the only preconceived notion that we should approach anyone with - the only bias that we should have with any individual - is that we are to love them. It doesn't matter what race, religion, political affiliation (or any other grouping that today's culture likes to divide us into) someone may be, our first job is to love them. It sounds so simple, doesn't it?
where there is injury, pardon;
This line is all about forgiveness, in my opinion. Again, as Jesus instructed us, we are to forgive others (Matt 6:14-15 NKJV). But, this is not the way off the world, is it? If someone hurts us ('where there is injury'), the last thing we typically want to do is to 'pardon', or forgive them. We want to get even! We want them to pay for their actions. We want them to suffer consequences. Alas, this is not the way Jesus would have this play out. Those ways aren't really showing, or sowing, love, now are they?
When we act and respond in these counter-cultural ways, it causes those around us to look twice and question why we are behaving they way that we are. By not conforming to this world, we begin to "prove what is good" in God's eyes. We act as he would have us act. We become obedient to His will and not the will of this world.
Once again, all so easy to say. The challenge is in putting it into practice. I challenge you today, though, to find just one opportunity where you can 'sow love' to your neighbor or quickly 'pardon' and forgive someone. I'm sure you will be blessed by doing so.
Comments
Post a Comment