At first look, at this time’s Gospel studying appears to contradict at this time’s studying from the New Testomony. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides his disciples very explicit directions for the right way to conduct orderly worship. He does so, he says, as a result of “God is a God not of dysfunction however of peace.”
Distinction this assertion with our studying from Matthew, the place Jesus comes proper out and says, “Don’t assume that I’ve come to carry peace to the earth; I’ve not come to carry peace however a sword.” What’s occurring right here? Are Jesus and Paul contradicting each other? Does God carry peace or violence? Order or dysfunction?
The reply lies once we learn additional within the passage from Matthew. Jesus says, “Whoever loves father or mom greater than me, shouldn’t be worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter greater than me shouldn’t be worthy of me, and whoever doesn’t take up the cross and comply with me shouldn’t be worthy of me.” Jesus does carry peace—his kingdom is basically certainly one of a deep peacefulness, like nonetheless waters—however bringing peace means first rooting out sin, even the sin of loving good issues greater than God. This rooting out of our sins will be painful. It might even really feel violent. Nevertheless it’s a vital step towards the wholehearted, peaceable love for which we have been made.
The excellent news is that though uncovering and uprooting sin can damage, it doesn’t take a lot on our half to start the method. All it takes is a straightforward act away from sin and towards Jesus—giving somebody in want a chilly cup of water, say—to kickstart the dominion of God in our hearts. Jesus is at all times affected person and sort. He solely asks us to go one tiny millimeter. He’ll cross no matter different distance essential to carry us to him.
Elizabeth Hamilton’s writing has appeared within the Dallas Museum of Artwork, Southern Humanities Overview, and Texas Month-to-month. She has an MFA from Seattle Pacific College. Discover her work at elizabethannehamilton.com
