A meeting place to share peace and love with each other

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As imitators of Jesus Christ, we try to obtain wisdom from above. For us, the most important thing is that all members of our community feel willing to obey the laws or commandments of God and the regulations of Christ Jesus.

“Wisdom that comes from above is pure above all, but also peaceful, accommodating, saying, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, unfeigned;” (James 3:17)

Jesus asked his apostles to go out to towns and cities to bring the Good News. There they had to find someone to stay with. And where they were warmly received they had to be friendly and could wish peace to those where they were welcome. It was in such places where they obtained shelter that they could spread the faith further. Likewise, we can consider ourselves fortunate that we can contact a family to discuss our faith further. We wish that family peace.

“11 In whatever city or village you come, examine who is the most worthy; and remain with him until you travel again. 12 When you enter that house, it brings your greeting. 13 And if the house is worthy, your peace descends upon it; if not, your peace returns to you.” (Matthew 10:11-13)

All too soon, when we get in somewhere, we forget to say:

« Shalom » [‘Shalom aleikhem!’]

« Peace be upon you! »

However, it is important that we wish each other peace.

“Peace to you, peace to your family, peace to all who belong to you!” (1 Samuel 25:6)

Within the walls between which we can find ourselves there must be love and peace. It is in such sheltered places that we must find each other as brothers and sisters.

“7 Peace be within your walls, Hail within your fortresses! 8 For my brethren and friends I pray peace on you;” (Psalms 122:7-8)

“5 When you enter a house, first say, Peace to this house! 6 And if a child of peace dwells there, your peace will rest on him; if not, he will return to you.” (Luke 10:5-6)

In the house or temple where we are welcome to meet, adults and children, baptised and unbaptised can find each other in peace and taste the love that brothers in Christ share among themselves. For the baptised act as envoys of the Nazarene teacher, Jeshua ben Josef (Jesus Christ) who is lord over us. We ask all around us to reconcile with God while they still can.

“This is the word he proclaimed to the children of Israel. when he brought the glad message of peace through Jesus Christ, He is the lord of allen.” (Acts 10:36)

“So in Christ’’s name we act as envoys, as if God himself admonishes us. In Christ’’s name we beg you: Rejoice with God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

“For if we are reconciled to God by the death of His son, when we were enemies, how much more shall we be saved by his life, now that we have been reconciled to him.” (Romans 5:10)

“to reconcile both with God in one Body through the piece of wood, and thus kill the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:16)

“, however, I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak from mouth to mouth. (1-15) Peace be to you! The friends greet you. Greet the friends one by one!” (3 John 1:14)

Greetings among themselves is a sign of kinship and love for each other. Being together with such a feeling of trust and community means that we also pay attention to each other to encourage love and right works.

“23 Let us cling unwaveringly to the confession of hope; for He who made the promise is faithful. 24 Let us watch one another, to provoke us to love and good works; 25 do not neglect community life, as some tend to do; but admonish one another, all the more, as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

If we truly love the entire community of brothers, we will find that we cannot separate ourselves from them. Even though we may be in a very small community or house church, there remains that connection with other brothers and sisters around the world. Love always seeks the object of her affection; she cannot remain alone.

We must also open the doors to all those who would find us and show that Christadelphians are welcome. Those who want to come visit us must feel that we are not excluding anyone. We must deal with all who pass by, and do so with positive thoughts, to do good to others, to be beneficial and not just to be personally favoured by just wanting to receive.

Coming together in an ecclesia, be it a house church, kingdom hall, hall or temple, we must make everyone feel that we are open to receiving and receiving them. In that space of meeting we must be fully open to growing in appreciation for each other.

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