Restoration

Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace. – 2 Corinthians 13:11

When the Dead Sea Scrolls were unearthed from a cave 1300 feet below sea level in 1947, one of the first thoughts was how to preserve them. The ancient text written on leather and papyrus has given the world beautiful insight into God’s written word. Unfortunately, the best efforts of technology and science at the time of their discovery led the original team of restorers to do things that did not actually help preserve the documents: think adhesive tape! Today, much of the work on the scrolls’ fragments is to repair the damage done by previous preservation.

Jesus was clear He wanted His followers to live in peace with others as a testimony to the world. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).  Like you, they were living an era of great discontentment and division, yet this was Jesus’ command.

Loving like Jesus requires living like Jesus. He did nothing without the leading of the Holy Spirit. As you attempt to bridge the divides in your life, adopt Jesus’ approach. Until the Holy Spirit leads you in what to say – say nothing. Until you know what God wants you to do – do nothing. Remember, like the restorers of the scrolls, sometimes you can do more harm than good by moving forward in well-meaning ignorance.

Pray for peace to reign across America. Actively seek God’s direction. Do nothing until you know what to do, then do everything in your power to be a part of God’s restoration on Earth.