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SCRIPTURE READING: EXODUS 12:1-14, ROMANS 13:8-14, MATTHEW 18:15-20

SUNDAY REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “love one another” To love one another means to show affection and seek the welfare of others. We shall discuss the following points

1. Those who do not love but  oppress others shall incur the wrath of God
2. Loving one another and reconciliation must be the way of life for the disciples of Christ

Firstly, those who do not love others but take delight in oppressing them shall incur the anger of God. When Egypt kept oppressing Israel the wrath of God came upon them through the Passover event. “It is the LORD’S Passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:11-13) We should always let love lead so that we do not invite the wrath of God upon ourselves. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19). Let us love one another so that we do not encounter the vengeance of the Lord upon our lives.“Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him” (Nahum 1:6)

Secondly, loving one another and reconciliation must be the way of life for the disciples of Christ. Paul reminds us “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law” (Romans 13:8-10). Dear friend, If love is the fulfilment of the law then anytime there is an issue between two believers or Christians we must endeavour to smoke the peace pipe and seek reconciliation Jesus teaches us that “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17.) We must demonstrate love by seeking peace. Forgiveness and reconciliation with one another in times of misunderstanding. Paul further admonishes us “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “love one another” and we have identified two important points, those who do oppress others shall incur the wrath of God, and love and reconciliation must be the the way of life for the disciples of Christ. May the unconditional love of Christ be our source of inspiration in showing love to others. Amen.