You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives.
[Adapted from “What the Cross Means to Me” by Connie Altman, April 2015 Herald, p. 42]
Jesus stood for the poor and the outcast, living love instead of rules. God sent Jesus to show us the importance of loving so much that we are willing to go through terrible pain and suffering if necessary to stand against oppression.
It is not easy. When our culture and society say a certain race, religion, gender, or even type of person is sinful, must be feared, or is not worth helping, I must fight against it. I don’t mean fight with violence. Jesus proved to us that was not the way. But he also proved it was not his way to just slink into the shadows and not do anything.
He stood up to injustice, greed, and prejudice. The cross means I also must stand up to those even when it is not popular. Even when it means our friends don’t understand or agree with us. Even when it means they don’t want to be our friends anymore.
When I first committed myself to following Jesus, I promised I would never deny him like Peter did. I was 12 years old and could not believe Peter could be such a wimp. I wrote a pledge, signed it, and took it to school to have my friends sign it, too. They thought I was crazy. No one else signed it. I couldn’t believe they wouldn’t do this with me.
Gradually, my group of friends changed to a different group. My activities in my spare time changed from telling dirty jokes and cussing to going to church camp and Zion’s League, reading scriptures, and being more involved in church. I believe that if I hadn’t had this experience, my life would have taken a much different turn.
I am involved in the peace and justice movement. I endeavor to help others see that Jesus came to change the culture, one person at a time. I’m thankful one of those people is me.
Prayer Phrase
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9).
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
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.