September 28: Cats and Dogs Can Be Friends!

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  - 2 Corinthians 12:3-5

Have you ever seen a perfect picture of a cat and a dog? 

They look so cute, right?! Can you think of a reason why people would love seeing a cat and a dog who are happy to be next to each other?  I can think of one: it is because commonly, cats and dogs do not get along well.  One of the  reasons why cats and dogs do not get along well is because they are different.  They have so many differences, including that they eat different foods and react differently to people, and even compete for their attention.  It is similar with humans, we are different in many ways, but this does not mean that we can not be friendly to each other.  When we are friendly we share the peace and love of God.  It does not matter how different someone might be from you, we need to respect each other's differences and by doing this we promote peace, and we show love for one another.  2 Corinthians 12: 3-5 says that we can help our world be a better world if we use God’s love to get rid of what is bad, and that God’s love is stronger than anything.  So, it is possible for cats and dogs to be friendly to each other,  and it is possible for you to love, respect and be friendly with people you know are different from you.  

Dear God, help me respect other’s differences and be friendly even to people who might not have things in common with me.  Help me love and respect each person for who they are because I want to live and share your peace. In Christ’s precious name, Amen.

*****
Nancy Cordova-Molina attends Casa de Oracion Christian Church in San Diego California.  She is completing a M.A in Peace and Justice Studies, and uses music to share a positive message of love, peace and justice. (www.nancycordova.com; www.facebook.com/nancycordovaofficial )
*****

Our 2016 prayer vigil theme is Helping Our Children Heal from Violence. For more resources visit  disciplesjustice4children.org and docfamiliesandchildren.org.