Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Following the Call to Obedience & Service

Bible Reading:  1 Thess. 5:12-22

Key Verse :“…always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1Thess.5:15

DEVOTION

In his epistle to the Thessalonians, St. Paul expresses heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering faith and encourages them to embody love, resilience, and mutual support as they face life's challenges. Specifically, in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, Paul underscores the significance of living out Kingdom values, particularly in the realms of community and service.
Call to Kingdom Values:
Paul's message urges believers to be an alternate community that reflects Christ’s teachings, particularly through acts of kindness and compassion. He draws parallels with the Good Samaritan, highlighting the need to re-evaluate how we perceive those on the margins of society. This involves taking time to understand and support those who are downtrodden, embodying a spirit of sacrificial love similar to that demonstrated by Jesus and Stephen, who prayed for their persecutors.
To live out Kingdom values, consider the following:
1. Engage with Others: Make a conscious effort to reach out to those marginalized in your community. Listen to their stories and offer support without judgment.  
2. Practice Forgiveness: Emulate Christ's forgiveness by letting go of grudges and praying for those who have wronged you. Just as Jacob and Esau reconciled after years of estrangement, recognizing the image of God in each other, may we too extend forgiveness and compassion to those who have hurt us.
3. Rejoice and Gratitude Always: Cultivate a lifestyle of thankfulness, finding joy in your faith journey and rejoicing in Christ. Focus on the goodness in small things and make it a habit to appreciate and encourage others, rather than pointing fingers.
4. Mutual Respect and Support: Honor and support spiritual leaders who guide the community, recognizing their dedication and service. Additionally, cultivate a constant prayer life, lifting up leaders and the community in prayer.
By embracing these principles, believers can foster a thriving spiritual life that honors God and shines as a beacon of hope and love in a divided world. As Paul exhorts, may we strive to be a community transformed by God's love, reflecting it through our actions and attitudes.

  PRAYER

 Lord, guide us to live according to your values each and every day. Amen


Thought of the day

 “The Lord has shown you what is good.  He has told you what he requires of you.  You must act with justice.  You must love to show mercy and to walk humbly with your God” Micah 6:8.


Rev. Sheejo M. Abraham 
Baroda Mar Thoma Parish, Gujarat, India.

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more