Church page: God’s call is to peace and reconciliation

AS we approach our annual Remembrance Day, I am reminded of just how much conflict there is in the world, in our communities and in our own families and lives.

So, what is it that needs to happen to lessen this conflict? Well, it seems to me that it is up to me and you, as individuals, to do whatever we can to lessen that conflict in which we are involved; and to do that we must learn how to treat one another.

A short while ago I put together phrases from the Bible in the form of a letter from God to us.

“My dear children,

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“I am your Father and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. And it is by following the commandment that he gave that you will show your love to me. He said: ‘Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another.’

“So, how do you do that? Well:

“Do not deceive one another, be fair in your treatment of one another. Treat one another justly. Don’t plot and scheme against one another; do not plan ways of harming one another.

“Instead, show kindness and mercy to one another.

“Do not be proud or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another. But be humble towards one another, eager to show respect for one another.

“Don’t criticise or complain to one another and do not lie to one another. But speak the truth, showing that you have the same concern for one another. Instead of judging one another, try to live in harmony with one another.

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“In the past, people have shared their belongings with one another, giving gifts of food to one another. So you, too, should get along with one another, pay friendly visits to one another.

“Show your love by being tolerant with one another. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another. Confess your sins and forgive one another. Have kindness and compassion and be considerate of one another. Live in peace with one another. Pray for and learn from one another.

“Be concerned and help strengthen one another, and help one another to show love and do good.

“To conclude: love and encourage one another, be kind and humble with one another, let love make you serve one another.

“Your loving Father,

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