Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Devotion- Divisions to Cease

 


Philippians 4: 1-9

Differences of opinion
Create divisions of heart
Changing how we look at 
And think about each other

Yesterday’s epistle lesson
Acknowledges such a division
Two faithful Christians in the church at Philippi
Were divided and creating disunity

Paul’s response is a plea
For the divisions to cease
He encourages instead an overall rejoicing
So that the community can refocus on mission

In our present moment in America
We live among many differences of opinion
Driven by big questions with elusive answers
There is among us a great division of heart

Paul’s words encourage us to refocus
To learn again how to rejoice
This begins with seeing one another 
As children of God with gifts to share

The encouragement to do so
Comes from the cross
Through which all are equally redeemed
Each one precious in God’s sight

It is easier to see differences
Before we see likenesses
But the gospel calls us to a larger vision
Shaped by God’s unconditional love

As we live less in a spirit of dividing
And more in a spirit of dividing
All are brought closer to God’s infinite love
And a wholeness of heart

Thank you to LCMS Southeastern District facilitator-
Rev. Donald Schaefer for this devotional reflection.


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