By Linda Booth of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, USA
And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!”
—Matthew 13:3–9
As modern-day Christians, we’re reticent to sow gospel seeds, questioning whether anyone will listen or respond. However, Christ’s parable of the sower encourages us to throw out the seeds of unconditional love, Christ’s peace, and radical hospitality. Generously sow lots of seeds and see what happens.
Geraldine, a spiritual woman with a huge capacity to love others, started a new job in an office with a group of women. One told her that if she worked there long enough, she would end up cursing just like the rest of them. Instead of being put off by this comment, Geraldine made friends with the women. During lunch hours, Geraldine listened to their troubles and heartaches. She prayed for and with them.
She brought her scriptures to work and shared Bible stories and verses with the unchurched women. Geraldine shared her testimony of God’s grace and that all people were of worth, no matter what they had done or what mistakes they had made. She told stories about how God was present in her life and assured them God was present in theirs. She also told them stories about what was happening in her Mississippi congregation. As relationships formed and friendships deepened, one woman named Nedra asked to learn more about Geraldine’s church. So, Geraldine asked if she and her husband, Alvin, could meet with Nedra one evening a week to share about Jesus and Community of Christ. Nedra agreed and asked if her two daughters could participate, too.
Geraldine and Alvin visited in Nedra’s home and in their home, sharing God’s love and information about the church. It wasn’t long before Nedra and her daughters asked to be baptized and confirmed members. Because of the gospel seeds that Geraldine and Alvin planted, and then seeds Nedra and her daughters planted, a new congregation was birthed in Moss Point, Mississippi, with black and white people worshiping and fellowshipping together.
In faith, sow seeds with abandonment. Expect wonders as God makes them grow.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.