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The Journey of Freedom
As the RESILIENCE conference approaches, I find myself thinking about resilience and compassion, solidarity and freedom. Read More
Lee Catoe | Read Romans 13:8-14
The popular children’s television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood created a space where everyone felt like a neighbor. Fred Rogers walked with us as we entered his home and his make-believe world where he showed us that it is possible to truly love our neighbors. He even invited us to be...
God of the ones we call neighbors, keep us open to your likeness in all humanity. Open our hearts to receive the presence of others, and keep us grounded in your calling to love. Amen.
We move forward in the story of Moses to the climax in Egypt, the tenth plague. God tells the Israelites to prepare for the terrible night to come and establishes the feast of Passover. It is to be an eternal reminder of what God has done for the people. The psalmist praises God for faithfulness and victory, including overthrowing those who would oppress them. Egypt is not mentioned specifically, yet the Passover represents just such a situation. Paul echoes Jesus in summarizing much of the Law in one simple commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus provides practical teaching on handling disagreements. Our first responsibility is to go to the other party privately and then include others only as necessary. Gossip and social media are not the ways to handle our disputes.
Read Exodus 12:1-14. How has the story of Passover shaped your faith?Read Psalm 149. How has God called you to seek freedom from oppression for yourself or others through praise and through action?Read Romans 13:8-14. What does it mean to consider love a driving force rather than a warm feeling? How does this understanding change the way you act toward yourself and your neighbors?Read Matthew 18:15-20. When have you participated in or witnessed true reconciliation? How did you see compassion at work?
Respond by posting a prayer.
The RESILIENCE conference in 2021 was so uplifting and nourishing. It was wonderful to be with other Christians around the world at this retreat, who truly care about responding to trauma in a compassionate way by teaching spiritual practices to help with grounding and healing.”
Join us for the next RESILIENCE conference on September 29-30, 2023. Learn more at UpperRoom.org/resilience.
