September 2, 2020
Day 23
BIBLICAL WISDOM
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called․that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
- Why is “the uplifting and blissful experience of genuine Christian community” somewhat rare?
- What is the “firm and certain faith” that holds Christians together even when there is conflict and tension between them?
- What does it mean to say: “We are bound together by faith, not by experience”?
PSALM FRAGMENT
How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down upon the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down over the collar of his robes. Psalm 133:1-2
JOURNAL REFLECTIONS
- Write about an “uplifting and blissful” experience of genuine Christian community in your life.
- Write about a time when faith kept you in community even though the experience of community wasn’t so good at the time.
INTERCESSIONS
Think about your community of faith. If there is any conflict or tension in the community, pray that faith in the unity given by Christ would sustain the community as it seeks to resolve the conflict. If the members of your community of faith are presently at peace with one another, thank God for the experience of unity.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, I need Christian community. Help me to be there for others in the same way I need others to be there for me.