Daily Bread January 27

Love, Embody, Incarnate
Pamela Carr of DeKalb, TX, USA


Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. -1 Corinthians 1:10

A few years ago I began to notice the word “live” in many church leaders’ writings as well as formal documents published by the church. I have believed Jesus to be God incarnate and the Holy Spirit works within us and among us, but the words “live, embody, and incarnate” began to stand out to me. When Jesus called the disciples to follow, he was asking them to “live” a different way.

My husband and I have led good lives bound by honest service and religious devotion. But as I began to associate “live, embody, and incarnate” with my understanding of following Jesus, I questioned whether I was deeply living the mission of Jesus Christ in my daily life decisions. Was I embodying the love of God in my relationships, ecological choices, or care of my own physical body and mind?

I realized I am a rational person, educated by my experiences and culture, and I know what I believe. I understand the concepts from my personal world view, but to incorporate those concepts into my actions has only been partially explored. To live the mission of Christ requires consciousness of each of my thoughts, actions, and relationships in the light of the love of God. That God loves each of God’s creations and resides in them through the Holy Spirit gives me a task of listening, watching, and searching until I see God in each one I meet.

Prayer Phrase

Let your heart be broken for a world in need. -Bryan Jeffrey Leech, \xc2\xa9 1976 Fred Bock Music Company, Community of Christ Sings 353

Spiritual Practice

Lament

Lament is an expression of our grief, sorrow, and sometimes confession to God amid the brokenness, injustice, and suffering of the human family. Lament is a major theme of the psalms and an invitation to “let our hearts be broken” as we humbly pray for awareness of right and restorative action. Spend time each day this month practicing the prayer of Lament.

Loving God, break my heart open to my own and others’ suffering because of injustice. Help me stay with what is real even when it is uncomfortable.

Forgiving God, grow in me an awareness of the ways that I consciously and unconsciously contribute to systems of violence, suffering, and injustice.

Healing God, open my eyes to invitations to relieve the physical and spiritual suffering of others.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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