Reflection: Over the past couple of days, we’ve explored some of the ways we might seek to live out the Great Commandment to love God and love our neighbour. We can pray for the peace and prosperity of others. We can see ourselves and our churches as part of the place in which we live. And we can come before God in humility, repenting of our sins.
This last one may not be easy to hear. We may feel we have personally done nothing to contribute to the social issues facing the community. But the instruction in today’s verse speaks not of individual responsibility but rather collective responsibility.
If we see ourselves as part of the wider community; if we recognise that our welfare is inextricably linked to the welfare of everyone else; then we must accept at least some responsibility for the things that are happening on our watch.
That doesn’t mean we have the power to solve every issue. Indeed, alone we can solve none. That’s why humility matters. When we bow down in prayer and repentance and look up to heaven, we remember that it is God alone who is the source of all love and hope for our lives, our churches, and our communities.
Prayer: Merciful God, we have all fallen short of your glory. We have sought comfort in our bubbles and refuge in our buildings. We have been caught up in our work, life, and ministry, failing to see the pain all around us. We come before you now and call on your Name. Please hear our cries from heaven. Please forgive our sins and heal our land. Amen.