“As
God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, “humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with
one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive
each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must
forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds
everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ
rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.
And be thankful.” - Colossians
3: 12 – 15
In
the current world in which we live, we’re more likely to witness or
experience messages that divide the children of God from one another.
These messages often encourages one to remain separated from the
other at all cost, and never enter the same playground or band to
play together. Sometimes this separation is due to the complexities
and challenges associated with race, culture, economics, interest,
fear, stigma, the clothes we wear, and yes, even the things that we
might’ve received from our family of origin. Children separate
from the other for a host of reasons, which prevents one from
playing, singing, or dancing together with those who aren’t like
them. Why is it so hard for children of our world to accept one
another? Why do so many struggle with acceptance? Aren’t we made
in the image of God? Are we called and challenged by Jesus Christ to
show compassion and demonstrate love despite our differences? Though
there are differences among the many children of the world, there are
so many similarities, and those give a richness to our world and to
the glory of God. Though our interest and who we are might’ve been
developed through and by different experiences, ALL still belong to
God. Our individual and collective identities and contributions are
for the greater good of God’s world. Our children are simply
precious gifts on the playground and notes and instruments in the
band. Though they might sound odd, look strange and even create a
noisy sound by themselves, together they produce melodies of hope.
Our children can play together. Jesus wants our children to accept
one another and play together as means of transforming our world by
and with love.
Dear
God, we ask that you remind children and adults that though we are
different and unique, come in all shapes and colors, and are shaped
by very different experiences, each belong to you and one another.
Help us transform the world by playing together in love. In Jesus
name. Amen!
*****
Derrick L. Perkins, M.Div. is the father of Aliyah Perkins, Derrick L. Perkins, II, and Andrew Perkins. He’s married to Bridget Perkins. The Perkins family are all native St. Louisans. He’s currently the Senior Servant & Pastor of Centennial Christian Church (DOC) in St. Louis, MO and has served in the pastoral office for 8 almost 9 years.
*****
Derrick L. Perkins, M.Div. is the father of Aliyah Perkins, Derrick L. Perkins, II, and Andrew Perkins. He’s married to Bridget Perkins. The Perkins family are all native St. Louisans. He’s currently the Senior Servant & Pastor of Centennial Christian Church (DOC) in St. Louis, MO and has served in the pastoral office for 8 almost 9 years.
*****
A Litte More...Faith
Stories: http://www.docfamiliesandchildren.org/faith-stories
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