Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Invitation to Christ’s Hospitality

 

Jude 1:17-25

“And have mercy on some who are wavering”. vs 22

 It is believed that this letter was written by Jude, the brother of Christ.  False teachers were such a concern, that Jude exhorts the readers to remain steadfast in faith and live righteously while rejecting the false teachings of those who prey upon the community of believers.  

Jude points out that the readers should strengthen their faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God (v 20-21).  As a community, they are to support those who are wavering due to the doubt that is caused by false teachers (v22).  Often, we look down at those who stumble and rationalize in our minds that they got what they deserve.  If we were to look at the mirror, we should be incredibly grateful that God does not give us what we truly deserve.  It is by God’s grace and mercy that we stand here today.

When we understand how blessed we are because of God’s love, we as the body of Christ cannot stand still.  We as the church are called to provide encouragement, not criticism.  We are called to build up, not tear down.  We are called to empathize, not judge.  We are called to be a community where the values of the Kingdom of God are present, where healing takes place and people are made whole,where forgiveness is evident, and people are restored, where love is lived and not just spoken about.

When we have mercy on those who are wavering, we will come to know that it will require us to go beyond the four walls of the church.  It will take us to the workplace, marketplace, and school yard.  It calls the Church to go out and minister to those who might feel uncomfortable coming through the doors.  We see this so clear in the Ministry of Christ, who extended His hospitality in the everyday encounters outside of the temple and synagogue.  Rather than waiting for people to come to our Church to experience God’s love, let us take God’s love to them.  In that way, we can truly increase the footprint of where God’s love can be felt.  In that way, we can begin to bring to life the words “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.

PRAYER

Father God, we pray that we may show mercy and love to those around us, especially to those who are wavering or in doubt by reflecting the kingdom values that were clearly demonstrated through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

God's mercy and grace give me hope - for myself, and for our world. Billy Graham

 

Tom Philip
Redeemer MTC, New Jersey

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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