Dear Friends, watch over one another in love, and stir up that which is pure in one another, and exhort one another daily.
What is it that keeps us from doing this? Are we shy? Are we culturally conditioned to keep such matters to ourselves? I want a spiritual community where this kind of thing is welcomed!
In my case, it's because I am 540 miles away from my co-exhorters.
ReplyDeleteThis hearkens to the Old Testament, the words after the greatest commandment was given. . . (I paraphrase because I cannot remember exactly) and you shall teach these things diligently to your children, and you shall bind them to the back of your hand, and wear them as a frontlet before your eyes, post them on your doorposts and gateposts, and speak of them on the way.
Mary, hope maybe we can talk for a while at SAYMA!
ReplyDeleteBill, yes, that's probably one of the sources. The "stir up" part may echo 2 Peter 3:1, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:".
Raye, I feel sad that you have such distance to your faith community, though I also find your faithfulness and diligence inspiring. The other bit of Deuteronomy 11:18-20 that I like is "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand ...
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteIt was great being able to talk to you more at this residency, and I felt much of that exhortation and stirring up that which is pure amongst us. That's one of the things that made it so difficult to leave. I hope things are going well in planning for the conference, and in your other travels in the ministry.
With love,
Mark
I feel nudged to add this:
ReplyDeleteMay we be seeds that fly upon the wind, blown to where God sends us, and ready to lay our roots into soil that yearns for God's love.
Blessings,
Liz Opp, The Good Raised Up