Ordinary Times
February 25, 2022
Scripture Reading:
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God. –2 Corinthians 4:2
Transparency is a word we hear often regarding government particularly but also opening ourselves to the world to test our truth. We are at times amazingly contradictory. While we staunchly hold that each person is an individual with no other like them having individual rights, we continually deny the worth of people who are not like us. Accepting people as they are and as they are becoming including ourselves, is important. We grow together in God’s love when we allow others to see that part of the image of God that rests in us.
What does Paul mean by we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God? If we profess to be Christ-followers, we open ourselves for others to discern the ways of Christ through us and the truth of his teachings and actions. If we do not live it, we do not believe it and others will surely see that and judge Christ accordingly. The word conscience used here indicates that all people have this God-given capacity to know right from wrong because each is a free moral agent*.
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’ — John 8:31-32
Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we hide behind the filters of the world and judge others. Create in us clean hearts to allow your image to shine through us. Amen.
*https://biblehub.com/greek/4893.htm
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.