Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-15
Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.
Thought for the Day: I’ve always loved the 12th chapter of Hebrews. An initial reading, and some folks find it rather heady and difficult to follow. A second reading, and I find that people see it as both accessible and helpful. There is a sense of mission and purpose, but with a cautionary note about bitterness. The task of pursuing peace and the faithful occupation of living like God (holiness) is difficult enough, but place some bitterness into the mix, and those pursuits are quickly squelched. Within any community, being aware of bitterness and its unhealthy power is very important…and when it appears, the community should name it in love.
Prayers: …even when I, Lord, find bitterness arising within me, give me the grace to hear my sisters and brothers when they name it for my sake and the sake of the community. Amen.
