Advent 2
Devotional
Water From the Well
Lectionary Devotional For Cycle A
Object:
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-- Romans 15:5-6
When you consider how many churches there are across the world, or even in your own community, do you wonder at the power of our witness if we could commit to live in harmony with one another? What glory could be given to God if it was clear to the world that Christians in every nation and culture held a common commitment to live as Christ taught us. Can you imagine the impact if the members of your church would pledge for one year that they would put a moratorium on all gossip that divides; that they would cease complaining for one year; that they would "bear with the failings of the weak" and try to serve even our neighbors within the church according to their needs? Imagine every member of your church pledging to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Could we, as Jesus did, commit ourselves and encourage our neighbors in the faith to worship God on a regular basis? Imagine what it says to nonbelievers that we say we accept Christ as our Lord but are not able to set aside time to worship God at least once a week. Consider the power of the voice we would have if we could at least agree that for one year we would with "one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
-- Romans 15:5-6
When you consider how many churches there are across the world, or even in your own community, do you wonder at the power of our witness if we could commit to live in harmony with one another? What glory could be given to God if it was clear to the world that Christians in every nation and culture held a common commitment to live as Christ taught us. Can you imagine the impact if the members of your church would pledge for one year that they would put a moratorium on all gossip that divides; that they would cease complaining for one year; that they would "bear with the failings of the weak" and try to serve even our neighbors within the church according to their needs? Imagine every member of your church pledging to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Could we, as Jesus did, commit ourselves and encourage our neighbors in the faith to worship God on a regular basis? Imagine what it says to nonbelievers that we say we accept Christ as our Lord but are not able to set aside time to worship God at least once a week. Consider the power of the voice we would have if we could at least agree that for one year we would with "one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
