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Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their transgressions against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19, LSB

God called us through Christ to separate us from worldliness, but not from the world. Our faith calling is meant to be lived in a world that lives contrary to God and is in full rebellion against God. The message of Christ is not separation but reconciliation. This does not mean we are to be like everyone else - quite the contrary. We are called to stand out and challenge things not within God’s will. This is a risk, but the message we offer will only cause strife where there is no desire to bring together and make peace. If a person desires to hate another, there is little we can do to stop them. Yes, we may point out prejudice but that will only inflame a person filled with it more. This is clear for many when confronted with the teaching of our Lord about forgiveness. If one desires to hold a grudge, he or she will. Our calling is not to pull away but to speak into this and seek to reach those who our Lord has prepared. To free those who are tired of the spirit of this world and desire the peace that only Christ can bring. In our ministering in the world, our calling is to bring Christ’s peace to those of the world who are longing to know God’s peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.