Are You In Your Corner?
June 14 – Come Out Of Your Corners
3:166 – Come Out Of Your Corners

#faithbites #faithjourney corners

Setting

I know life experiences color how you see things. When I was younger,I believed there were many more people I’m the center. Folks could debate, argue, and compromise. We could be in the center and understand that we wouldn’t always agree, but we could live. I know that is a rosy outlook and it wasn’t always true, but now seems different.

It seems everyone is retreating to their corners and digging in. There is no middle ground. I understand there can’t be a middle ground when one refuses to acknowledge the existence of others or their rights. That racism is evil. At the same time, there has been a loss of community. loss of conversation, and a loss of kindness. Maybe I’m just feeling extra cranky, but it makes me sad.

Jesus came to break down the walls. He came to save us, heal us, and forgive us. It seems that we are going the opposite way sometimes.

How do we come out of our corners to listen, commune, and compromise?

Scripture
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
  • 1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:26 – What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
Reflection

Not much interpretation or reflection needed here. We are to dwell in unity, encourage and affirm each other, and learn from one another. I understand sin and Satan run rampant and that is why we falter. But why is it worse now? Is it because the end of days is coming? Maybe it is because God is stirring his people to action. I don’t know.

I do know that we need to listen, we need to love one another as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and we need to dwell in unity. We don’t have to agree on everything, but when we close our ears to listen we close our hearts to love. If we can’t love one another, then we’re failing.

So let’s close tonight as usual with our challenge. We can do better, to listen, to love, and to reflect.

Challenge

Can you open your ears to hear? You don’t have to agree with the person. In most cases, what the person is saying isn’t what they are feeling. There is something else there. It takes time and energy to dig to the core. Try it. Come out of your corner and maybe the other person will come out of theirs.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to break down the walls and forgive us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit giving us faith. We ask for your help now. So many of us believe so strongly in things that aren’t necessarily based in you. Help us to get beyond that. Let us come out to comfort, teach, listen, and love our neighbors. The greatest of all gifts is love. If we can’t hear, we can’t love. Be with us as we try to be more like you and follow your commands. In your name, Amen.

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