Becoming Instruments of Justice

posted on March 20

“In every moment...we choose to see others either as people like ourselves or as objects. They either count like we do or they don't.”

― The Arbinger Institute, The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict>

God is calling us to a life together, following Jesus, making disciples and transforming the world. We believe that world transformation begins when we as individuals start to see the importance of each person, made in the image of God. When we love others as God loves, the Spirit of God prompts us into action on their behalf, making sure they are connected, feeling valuable, and honored for their part in God’s mission. In this, the Holy Spirit moves through us molding us into God’s instruments of justice.

Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.” (vv. 15-16)

As the Blue Ridge District, we want to provide opportunities for each person and congregation to become instruments of justice through: 

Education
Criminal Justice Reform
Racial Justice & Cultural Intelligence
Health & Food Advocacy Practices
Bridging Socio-Economic Divides
Other ideas & passions as they are revealed

Prayer for Becoming Instruments of Justice (Prayer of St. Francis)
Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console
to be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life

Amen