Renewed Friendships
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:14-15) NIV
This week I’m having my coffee at a different place….Oklahoma! The sun is shining, but it is cold, cold, cold. This past Sunday, I went to church with my brother. And as God would have it….I was invited to give the sermon message for their evening service. What a joy to share the word with the faith community of Greenbrier Baptist Church in Strang, Oklahoma.
As I read this scripture, immediately I thought about our relationships…..both new and old. Yesterday I made new friends and new relationships……and while I have been here….I’ve been able to visit with family and renew relationships with them as well. I must say….it has been good for my soul!
From the scripture…..when we deal with new and old relationships and friendships, some may be great….and some may be difficult. But if we live in peace…peace that comes from providing unconditional love and grace, forgiveness and mercy…. Then we are responsible for working on those friendships so that no falls short of God’s grace and there is no bitterness. I cannot tell you the peace of heart and mind I have had…mending friendships that were strained or broken.
This week, I invite you to reach out….and to renew your friendships, and even take time to make new friendships….for you will experience a new peace within you.
Shalom,
Pastor Dave
