Mount Clinton Mennonite Church

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy, without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)

Context: Hebrews 12: 14-29 (NIV)

In the Christian walk, finding the balance between relying on God's grace and our own efforts can be difficult. As a nation and people, we like to do things ourselves and not have to rely on others or ask for help. And yet, God asks and calls us to rely on and rest in His abundant grace and mercy.

In these two verses from Hebrews, we are reminded that we have to be vigilant in our faith and not passive in our relationship with God and others. God does call us to use some effort and take some action in our relationship with Him and the people around us, so we do not miss His grace. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to actively live in peace, to be holy, and to see that no bitter root grows up in us. By actively doing this, we will experience more of God's grace.

It is easy to be stubborn and passive in our relationship with God and others. Often, we think it is easier to avoid someone, to not speak to them, and to not actively seek reconciliation. This is when the bitter root grows up in our lives and keeps us from fully experiencing God's grace in our families, workplaces, and churches. During the past week, my sister from Anchorage was visiting us here in Virginia, and I was reminded by her spirit and gentleness of just how freeing forgiveness and reconciliation are, even when life experiences could leave you bitter and stubborn.

I am often reminded of my own stubborn tendency to try to do things by myself and not truly rely on God. As Christians, there is a balance between our own efforts and God's grace. God's grace is certainly something we all want to experience and not miss.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that, by your abundant grace and mercy, we live in peace with all people--in our families, our workplaces, our churches, and the wider community. I pray that we do not let any bitter root grow up in us but rather actively seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Thus we will not miss out on the goodness and abundance of your grace and mercy. May we truly experience all that you have promised and hold for us. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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"Thought for the Week"
(June 22, 2003)

Make Every Effort to Live in Peace ...
And That No Bitter Root Grows Up