Day 2

‘And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted.’
1 Thessalonians 5.14

Reflection
The readiness to turn around and go in a new direction is a main theme within the Bible as shown in the tale of repentant Nineveh after the preaching of Jonah.

Jesus also rebukes the disciples for their slowness in recognizing who he is and what he was called to undergo.

Paul, too, in this letter, is calling for specific actions through which people change and express their commitment to one another within the Body of Christ. The call to change is central. Christians of all traditions need to be brave enough to admonish the causes of division and encourage the means of reconciliation.

Prayer
Deep desiring God, in the secret of our hearts you teach us wisdom.
Teach us to encourage each other along the road to unity.
Show us the changes needed for reconciliation. Amen.

Action
One of the major challenges in the world today is the mass migration of peoples.
What can you do to be part of the Christian response to this?

Readings

Jonah 3.1–10
The repentance of Nineveh

Psalm 51.8–15
Create a clean heart

Romans 12.1–2
Be not conformed to the world

Mark 8.27–33
Jesus rebukes the disciples