Bible reading: James 3v18
‘Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.’
Reflection: What do we see as we look out of our windows onto our city, our nation and our world? A society ravaged by rising crime, gangland knife culture, increasing drugs problem and violence on every hand. The situation is complicated by our political and financial institutions diseased by greed, dishonesty and selfish ambition.
So, what would we like to see? A city and a world guided and inspired by a spirit of self-giving, integrity and working for the common good. What about institutions that are honest, accountable and transparent? Wouldn’t it be great to see all people groups learning to live together with tolerance and mutual respect? And what about God as our reference point, receiving His love and power as we are restored to our true heavenly calling?
Maybe this is something like in keeping with what James calls the ‘harvest of righteousness.’
The question comes to us as to how we can get there! Whose responsibility is it? What is the strategy? Lots of different groups need to be involved, but as God’s people, we have the challenge of moving from wallowing in despair to providing a basis of hope for the future.
So, do we pray? Of course! But to reap a harvest of righteousness takes commitment and faithfulness. We can, and must, be instrumental in developing a healthy and robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results as we do the hard work of getting along with each other and treating each other with dignity and honour.
(John Alessi- St Paul’s, Longton)
Give thanks for all those helping to build healthy communities in our land.
Prayer points:
For crime in our city to fall and the lives of those causing crime to be changed; for a new spirit of honesty and integrity across the banks and financial sector; for nations across Europe to embrace the tide of migrants amongst them and help them find a home.