Today’s scripture: Acts 5:33-42 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Theresa Benson):
So, recently I’ve been dating this guy, and things have been going well. I had taken some time off from dating (almost three years), and so getting back into the swing of things has been a fun and interesting challenge. Most recently, we’ve been having these “discussions” about certain core beliefs — discrimination, minority issues, the war, Republicans vs. Democrats, you know, the light, fun, lovey-dovey stuff of new romances.
My friend was talking about how we should love and think the best of everyone, even those we disagree with. I, however, was taking a pretty hard line one way when it came to politics. I was going on about all these emotionally charged issues and positions I had about things going on in the world, and he was asking me to consider alternate perspectives and that maybe I didn’t know enough about all sides of the issue to pass judgment.
I am embarrassed to admit it, but I found myself getting angry, and fast. I needed to be right! I was quickly headed toward “killing” the conversation on the spot. And yet, the more heated I became, the more he was asking me to consider alternate perspectives.
And in reading today’s passage, isn’t what Gamaleil says so true?
Once my friend and I hung up the phone for the night, and I was sitting there reviewing the conversation, the passion and anger I was feeling began to fall away. But the message my friend kept trying to get to me rang true. All the propaganda, all the political pundits and positioning on the morning talk shows — all the things of this world — began to fall away. My blood pressure returned to normal, and I realized the message my friend was trying to get through — of seeking love and understanding, of loving my neighbor, no matter who he is, was really what I needed to hear and try to live each day.
Prayer for the day: God, so easily we get caught up in the things of this world, and lose sight of what’s really important. Please help me maintain perspective.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.