By Rick Bunch, World Church Earth Stewardship Team

We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action…

Some years ago, I wanted to learn to play the guitar. My family bought me an acoustic guitar, and I began to take lessons. At the time, I was engaged in several camps and reunions, and I wanted to be able to accompany the songs at campfires. The difficulty came when I desired to learn more than just strumming, to engage in more complex forms of plucking. I became impatient because it did not come rapidly enough, and I was not willing to spend the time and effort to practice. Eventually, I gave up.

We who watch TV have become accustomed to detectives solving crimes in just an hour, or the entire world news broadcast in thirty minutes; even worse, we are satisfied with just sound bites. The reality is that challenges in life often do not go away quickly. It takes effort and sometimes it is just plain hard work.

Before Jesus died, he shared his ambition for a peaceable kingdom. That dream was not realized in his lifetime, and his followers and people of Israel were left again to long for the arrival of a peace-keeper Messiah. They missed the point that they had some responsibility in the process. The religion that emerged, too often, was caught up in ritual and piety. Love was an afterthought.

As people of faith, as Easter people, it behooves us to expend whatever effort and resources are required to bring to pass the eventuality of life-giving—a love sharing in that dreamed-of realm of peace. In the process, what if we began to live as if we are already residents in such a place—a place where love knows no bounds and the Easter message of hope has become our watchword? If we truly wish to become active Easter people, the effort, maybe even the hard work, will be our dream, our ambition, no matter how long it takes. Easter people persevere. Easter people act.

Prayer Phrase

“…my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28).

Spiritual Practice

Light

Close your eyes and become centered with your breath. As you breathe gently in and out, reflect on the statement, “The light of God is in all things.” The light has a bright, soft beauty and radiates God’s healing love. The light of God reaches you and permeates you with a deep sense of peace. Rest in the light as it surrounds and fills you. Thank God that you live in God’s light, and it lives in you.

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.