A number years ago, I began Tie Tuesday working for a local non-profit. I wore ties to honor and respect those who died due to violence. Today, I wear a tie for George Floyd and other victims of racial violence and prejudice.
Channels Of Peace:
We will respect those victims by being channels of God’s peace. As the Paul wrote in Romans 12:9.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Deuteronomy 32:35 20 Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”Proverbs 25:21-22
21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Living the Beatitudes as Jesus taught:
The journey will not be easy. When we are tired or frustrated, remember what Jesus taught to the multitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 We are that multitude today.
Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.Isaiah 57:15; 66:2
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.Isaiah 61:2; 66:10,13
5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.[a] Psalm 37:11
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Blessings to us all during these difficult times.
John