Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 12:12-15.
So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Paul tells us that God wants us back in fellowship with Him and each other. We must make the effort ourselves, accepting the forgiveness God has for us, and working together to strengthen our faith. God will work with us, giving us the Holy Spirit as our guide.
There are two warnings for us here as well in verse 15: “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” This teaching should resonate with us today, in how we think and speak to each other and about one another. God wants His love to live in us and be shared with all people.
We are called to care about all of God’s children, even when we disagree. He wants us to find ways to live in peace with each other and help everyone see His truth. It may not be easy, but that is not what Jesus promised us. He told us that “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23) and that is our holy calling.
Gracious God, help us to turn from the strife we inflict on each other and live in Your love with all Your children. Make us strong in faith that we may carry the Gospel everywhere. Amen.