PEACE = Loving One Another in Christ (Repost)

This repost is especially for the Facebook site “Pursuing Peace.” God’s blessings on all my readers today.

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, February 17, 2016

PEACE = Loving One Another in Christ

Today’s definition of PEACE is gentle, just like the person the definition came from. Anacelia Padrid gave the following definition: “PEACE = the result of loving one another in the Christian way.”

Anacelia is a member at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church in Morton Grove. When I asked her what she would like to write down for her personal definition, she got quite serious. Full of thoughtfulness. Then, she carefully wrote her definition on the sheet. Last, she gave an explanation of her definition.

She said, “It is in the Christian family that we have our love with one another, as our head who is God. Only through Him we are guided in the proper way.”

By this definition, Anacelia gives people no questions about her faith as a Christian. Some other people gave more general definitions, but this one is decidedly, definitely Christian.

I know Anacelia earnestly believes this Christian way of understanding PEACE.

I just gave a meditation (or, brief sermon) about PEACE at this evening’s Lenten service. The result of loving one another in the Christian way? Not quite my definition. I did, however, let people know Jesus offers to give anyone PEACE. I mean, anyone.

Jesus does not discriminate, as we think of John 14:27. Jesus promises to give us PEACE internally. And as an outgrowth of that inward emotion, we are invited to be instruments of God’s PEACE.

Anacelia, thanks for an additional insight. Blessings on you and your family.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza  And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

PEACE is Loving One Another

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Tuesday, March 15, 2016

 

PEACE is Loving One Another

Today is another day at St. Viator’s High School in Arlington Heights. A continuation of my Pursuing PEACE Project (#PursuePEACE). Their principal, Fr. Corey Brost, gave me the opportunity to hang out in the lunch room and talk briefly with anyone who came up to the table I had set up on one side of the large room.

Today, both personal definitions are all about loving one another. Each personal definition of PEACE reflects love in a slightly different way. As I have said before, fascinating!

Danielle’s definition: “PEACE is no conflict … just loving one another, understanding one another, and being there for one another when we need it.”

As I watched Danielle write out this well-thought-out definition, I told her what I thought. As she finished up writing, she reflected thoughtfully, “No conflict. Just—no conflict.” She paused, and then said with certainty, “Being there for one another, no matter what.”

Sarah’s definition: “PEACE is always loving your neighbor as yourself, and living in harmony with others.”

When asked to talk further about her definition, Sarah said, “Treat others as you want to be treated. And, be a friend to others when they need it.”

As I see it, love is a foundational aspect of PEACE, in an outward sense. How do we get along with others? How do each of us—as individuals—encourage PEACE in our interactions with family and friends, as well as strangers and even enemies? We love one another. We try to understand each other. As far as each of us is able, we try our very best to live in harmony with each other person we encounter.

Wow! Great way to articulate it, ladies. Thanks so much.

Although stated as a paraphrase, most of these words came from our Lord Jesus. (No wonder it’s excellent advice!) Dear Lord, help me to follow this excellent advice.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er

(Gggrrrrr!!! I have been fiddling with the two images for some time. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to get them horizontal. Sorry, Danielle! Sorry, Sarah! And, sorry for yesterday’s photo, Maddie! I’ll try to get them straightened out, tomorrow.)

PEACE = Loving One Another in Christ

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, February 17, 2016

PEACE = Loving One Another in Christ

Today’s definition of PEACE is gentle, just like the person the definition came from. Anacelia Padrid gave the following definition: “PEACE = the result of loving one another in the Christian way.”

Anacelia is a member at St. Luke’s Christian Community Church in Morton Grove. When I asked her what she would like to write down for her personal definition, she got quite serious. Full of thoughtfulness. Then, she carefully wrote her definition on the sheet. Last, she gave an explanation of her definition.

She said, “It is in the Christian family that we have our love with one another, as our head who is God. Only through Him we are guided in the proper way.”

By this definition, Anacelia gives people no questions about her faith as a Christian. Some other people gave more general definitions, but this one is decidedly, definitely Christian.

I know Anacelia earnestly believes this Christian way of understanding PEACE.

I just gave a meditation (or, brief sermon) about PEACE at this evening’s Lenten service. The result of loving one another in the Christian way? Not quite my definition. I did, however, let people know Jesus offers to give anyone PEACE. I mean, anyone.

Jesus does not discriminate, as we think of John 14:27. Jesus promises to give us PEACE internally. And as an outgrowth of that inward emotion, we are invited to be instruments of God’s PEACE.

Anacelia, thanks for an additional insight. Blessings on you and your family.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er