More than ever, we find ourselves needing to come together. Fierce partisanship, civil unrest, wild conspiracies, and an unrelenting deadly virus continue to drive folks apart. Communities, friends, families, and churches have suffered isolation, unfriending, and division. Relationships are strained and dissolving as feelings are hurt and folks retreat into the echo chambers of guarded opinions and self-righteousness. Shouting past one another, we misunderstand and fail to recognize our shared humanity.
This is not the first time that the Christian community was threatened by division. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans in the middle of the first century, Christians struggled with serious differences of opinion about who could be included in the community and what were the terms of their inclusion. Centered in the grace of God, Paul encouraged folks on both sides of the great divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians to embrace Christ-centered values for their life together.
G.R.A.C.E.: Values for Our Life Together, is a five-week devotional series that turns to Christ for help. Grounded in and emerging from the expansive love of God, come the values of Grace, Respect, Appreciation, Compassion, and Encouragement. As we employ these values in our words and actions, we participate in God’s creative and restorative work in the world. Though not easy, these values connect us with others (believers and non-believers alike,) building a community that is life-giving.
Throughout the devotional, we will use the New Testament book of Romans as a biblical background. Each morning, you will receive an Inspirational Image from Romans, a reflection, prayer, and some questions to ponder. Additional Bible study and group discussion resources will be provided along the way. The devotional begins on Sunday, September 12 and can be started at any point after that date.
Each devotional takes no more than five minutes a day to read and it will be in your email inbox in time for your morning coffee. Not only will your spirit be nurtured but you will find practical help for interacting with others.
In Christ’s Light,
Walt
Cost? Light From This Hill makes use of Pay What It’s Worth pricing. Sign-up without paying anything. During your devotion, we will ask what the devotional is worth to you - you decide what to contribute and that’s what you pay. It’s simple and there is no risk to you. If you are an Annual Subscriber to Light From This Hill, you have already contributed to helping us provide these devotions - you won’t be asked to pay more.
Light From This Hill is committed to providing regular people with simple and refreshing ways to connect with God. Our devotionals are easy to access, theologically sound, written for the people in the pews, and can be adapted to fit in a variety of contexts. We provide affordable resources to individuals and small church pastors who are busy, overwhelmed and want something meaningful to nurture spiritual growth on a daily basis.