Living the Word…

Let’s take each word or phrase to see how we can make this passage real for us: “Rejoice.” If you are struggling to be joyful these days, try starting with gratitude. Gratitude for another day to love. Gratitude for sun and rain. Gratitude for the gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to love. “Be restored.” Wow, this is a good one. What things restore you? Being in nature or with those you love? Reading a good book? Sitting quietly in a sanctuary? Having someone hide your phone for a day? Give yourself the gift of restoration today.

“Be encouraged.” Create a circle of friends who get together to encourage each other. Tell others the giftedness you see in them. Log on to  https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ to hear of good things happening in the world. “Be of the same mind, be at peace.” Well, this might be a tough one if you are at odds within your family or community due to political or philosophical differences. So, focus more on the second phrase—be at peace. Agree to disagree but try to eliminate conflict and greet each other in love—even with “a holy kiss” if that’s appropriate! Because “the holy ones”—the communion of saints—those who have gone before us, all the poor, the downtrodden, all God’s children greet you with a prayer for your welfare and your peace!

“The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you!” (The Message translation, emphasis added).

Elaine H. Ireland <ehireland@gmail.com>