Today’s Reflection
In this relational world of difference, God’s love is at work for right relations and a culture of justpeace. God’s goal for all creation is shalom—well-being and right relations—with God, with neighbor, and with oneself. This is experienced in the reconciling acts of God. In Jesus, we see God is present in our world, suffers with all creation on the cross, and breaks the grip of the principalities and powers through the word of forgiveness on the cross. In the resurrection, we find victory over death and a new creation. Receiving this power-filled gift, we can do likewise, experiencing the spirit and the energy to reconcile with the neighbor as well as ourselves.
—Thomas Porter, The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of Justpeace (Upper Room Books, 2010)
Today’s Question
How can you participate with God in acts of reconciliation? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
—2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love.
(From the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Walk in spiritual wisdom with Barbara Brown Taylor, Richard Morgan, Chanequa Walker-Barnes, and Peter Wallace—just some of the writers featured in The Upper Room Disciplines 2023: A Book of Daily Devotions. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
With the help of my therapist I am working on reconciling my self with h. Because she knows much of the story she understands that reconciliation is not possible at this time. I need to work through the trauma and not minimize it or its effects. H treated me horrendously and has never apologized or even acknowledged that the abuse occurred.
Prayers for Ally and David, may God provide strength and healing today. Prayers for Jill and her small group as they embark on a new season of sharing and growing. Prayers for Lou as she ministers to her family. Prayers for Robert and his fellow church members, may they find a new certification program that is more flexible so all who wish may attend.
Being an active participant in reconciliation requires me to listen well, with an open heart and mind. And to be willing to offer forgiveness, even when it goes entirely against what I feel. To come before the Spirit – and to seek His assistance in changing my resistance, my hard heart. To make me more Christ-like in all aspects. For me, it comes down to obedience.
A long day here. Got my flu shot this morning, as part of a health screening for my insurance. Sure enough, this afternoon I started to not feel well. I took some Tylenol – and that helped. Tonight is open house…it’s sparsely attended thus far. I am getting some schoolwork done.
A beautiful day outside…my desk is right by the windows and I have had them open most of the day. Fresh air is a good thing. I ran out to grab something to eat – so got some moments in the sun.
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