Br. Nelson speaks in today's video about the story of "Doubting" Thomas. "Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!'" (John 20:26-28) His discussion talks about participating in the community, the Body of Christ, wholeheartedly, when we feel like it, and when we don't.
One of my most favorite parts of that story is Christ's statement when he enters, "Peace be with you." How often, when we pass the peace at church, are we merely saying the words, without thinking about what they actually mean? Part of participating in the community is participating wholeheartedly. Don't just say the words - Mean them!
Think about what you are wishing for the other person - do you wish them peace? Then look them in the eye, and say so, with all your heart. Do you give hugs when you pass the peace? Have you ever thought that your hug might be the only physical contact another person gets all week? How special that is to that person - and it can be more special by meaning the words you're saying, by passing the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, onto that person. You might surprise even yourself.
Watch the video here, and think about how God sees each of us as His children - maybe you'll recognize some of your own congregants' inner children here. Peace be with You!
One of my most favorite parts of that story is Christ's statement when he enters, "Peace be with you." How often, when we pass the peace at church, are we merely saying the words, without thinking about what they actually mean? Part of participating in the community is participating wholeheartedly. Don't just say the words - Mean them!
Think about what you are wishing for the other person - do you wish them peace? Then look them in the eye, and say so, with all your heart. Do you give hugs when you pass the peace? Have you ever thought that your hug might be the only physical contact another person gets all week? How special that is to that person - and it can be more special by meaning the words you're saying, by passing the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, onto that person. You might surprise even yourself.
Watch the video here, and think about how God sees each of us as His children - maybe you'll recognize some of your own congregants' inner children here. Peace be with You!
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