“Finally,
beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if
there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have
learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace
will be with you.” -
Philippians
4:8-9
Paul
writes to urge us to live up to a high ethical standard. He doesn’t
make it a Pollyanna story, denying the realities of violence that
exist around us. Instead, he suggests that, while we struggle with
the possibility of violence in our everyday life, we should be
encouraged by the knowledge of God’s peace within us. Likewise, we
should extend peace to all those we encounter. He presents values
that we should hold in high esteem: honesty, truth, justice and
purity. These bring peace and understanding.
May
an honest approach to violence come to past to bring peace to all
people, everywhere. Amen.
Rev.
Brooks Barrick
is a Disciples minister located in Indianapolis, Indiana. A graduate
of Christian Theological Seminary and a Doctoral candidate at
Anderson University School of Theology. The focus of his ministry is
social justice. He is the local mission director for the 2017 General
Assembly of the Christian Church (DOC).
A
Little More...
Our 2016 prayer vigil theme is Helping Our Children Heal from Violence. For more resources visit disciplesjustice4children.org and docfamiliesandchildren.org.
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