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 technology and science at the time of their discovery resulted in the original team of restorers using adhesive tape, which did not actually help preserve the documents! Today, much of the work on the scrolls’ fragments is to repair the damage done by those previous preservation efforts.

Jesus was clear; He wanted His followers to live peaceably and love 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 in an era of great discontentment and division, yet this was Jesus’ command.

Loving like Jesus requires living like Jesus. He did everything by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Adopt Jesus’ approach as you attempt to bridge the divides in your life. Wait for the Holy Spirit to lead you in what to say. Wait for God to guide you in what to do. Remember, like the restorers of the scrolls, sometimes you can do more harm than good by moving forward in well-meaning ignorance.

Pray that the people of the U.S. would receive God’s loving comfort. Actively seek His instructions, as you wait for His direction. Then do everything He leads you to be a part of the Lord’s restoration on Earth.