"May the LORD make you increase and abound in love, and may He so
strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless at the
coming of our LORD Jesus."
- 1 Thess. 3:9-13
Holiness again has become a major concern among a variety of people.
Since people of color around the world have felt violated, they are
struggling to restore the sanctity and holiness of God's image within
them. So too are the youth and the elderly, persons with handicapping
conditions and those with different family structures. In our churches
we can still support those who are struggling without . . .
"May the LORD make you increase and abound in love, and may He so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless at the coming of our LORD Jesus."
- 1 Thess. 3:9-13
Holiness again has become a major concern among a variety of people. Since people of color around the world have felt violated, they are struggling to restore the sanctity and holiness of God's image within them. So too are the youth and the elderly, persons with handicapping conditions and those with different family structures. In our churches we can still support those who are struggling without self-pity or self-indulgence to restore their own sense of worth.
In all these movements is a deep longing for holiness, a yearning to recover the sanctity of the divine image God planted in us. Blamelessness in holiness, however, is much more than a shrill affirmation of our self-worth as we ventilate hostility toward those who have violated us. Because we too have violated others, we need God's forgiveness, which generates love. Luke 7:47. also Matt. 22:37-40. We are also seeing this in our churches. We need to let the LORD create a climate where brothers and sisters can open their hearts to His soul-healing love.
The house of God should be a place
For praise and fervent prayer;
How sad when folks let small things break
Their sweet communion there.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: The church should always be a warm shelter in a cold world.