Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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UNITY GUARDED BY UNDERSTANDING

Bible Reading: :Joshua 22:21-29

Key verse:  

Vs 27 On the contrary it is to be a witness between us and you and the generations that
follow.

DEVOTION

The tribes of Gad, Reuben and half of the tribe of Manasseh were given an inheritance on  the east side of the Jordan river. There they constructed an alter to declare their  faithfulness to God and to show the other tribes their loyalty towards them. In fact they  went with these tribes to the land and fought to secure it and get rid of its pagan inhabitants  before finally returning to their allotted land .But unfortunately the rest of the Israel  misunderstood their actions and prepared for war. For them it looked like a rebellion  towards God. But the timely explanation of the eastern tribes their true intention that the  alter was not for sacrifice but a witness to remind the future generations that they shared  the same faith and covenant with the lord ,cleared all the doubts and misunderstandings  and regained unity among them. Here we see when both sides spoke and listened with  humility peace and love flourished. John in the book of Revelation depicts Jesus as the  faithful witness who like the alter the eastern tribes made would prove to be a faithful and  credible witness throughout all generations. 
Let us have an introspection of ourselves. What actually happens at our families ,churches  and communities. Unity is always preserved here not by silence or arguments but by  peaceful and humble understanding to know each other and respect each other. Taking  time to listen, clarify and seek truths protect situations from going beyond control and  restore love and unity. 
Unity does not happen on its own. It is always guarded by Grace ,strengthened by mutual  respect and dialogue and sustained by love and prayer. 

PRAYER

Lord help us to be peacemakers in this world. Give us the heart ,mind and patience to  listen to others before making a judgement. Let unity prevails where there is tendency to  quarrel and separate. Let our actions and words make bridges not walls 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Try to see others through God’s eyes and pray to give courage to understand and reconcile

Dr Thomas K. Jose
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island.

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