Romans 14:19: “Pursue What Makes for Peace”
The church was created to be connected.
Like the classic hymn reminds us, “All who follow Jesus, all around the world. Yes, we’re the church together!”
We can feel the power of the connectional church at work whenever individuals, congregations, mid councils, and our national and global partners serve together to the glory of God, creating a uniquely interconnected tapestry that reflects both the unity and diversity of God’s beautiful Creation.
This tapestry is not only a reflection of the distinctiveness of each person but also embodies the strength, resilience and powerful force — God — who connects us, even as it simultaneously demonstrates the importance of each individual thread.
Our connectional church is rooted in none other than Christ’s clear call to harmonious living. The apostle Paul tells the Romans that we are to pursue what makes for peace, to build each other up, and to not cast judgment on those who are different from us or have different customs or needs than our own.
Paul is inviting the Romans — and us — to break down the neat and orderly worlds we create for ourselves and experience the fullness of our diversity. This means leaving our comfort zones and seeing our neighbors, both around the corner and around the world, not as “them” but as “us,” friends and siblings in Christ. Whenever we welcome and embrace one another in this way, we respond to Paul’s invitation to pursue what makes for peace.
The Peace & Global Witness Offering helps to pursue peace in a variety of ways. Gifts to the Offering are combined with others to support Presbyterian mission and ministry around the world. Congregations and presbyteries keep a portion to be peacemakers in their own communities by meeting needs and ensuring every person can flourish. Our participation in supporting this Offering helps us see the face of God in all people.
This World Communion Sunday, let us pray for Christian unity and remember we are one in the Spirit and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Wilson Kennedy, Associate Director of Stewardship and Funds Development, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:
Omar Chacon, Mission Specialist, Migration Accompaniment Ministry, Interim Unified Agency
Omar Chan, Project Manager, Unification Management Office, Interim Unified Agency
Let us pray:
Loving God, help us as we work to pursue peace. May we see your face in those we meet in our neighborhoods and around the world. Show us how we might be bringers of peace to the rich tapestry you created for all of your people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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