The Road Less Traveled - a Lent Journey for TeensSample

Peace as Harmony

We are fragile people. We continually search for safety and security, which causes us to be double-minded. We like to join our worlds to those like us, those who like what we like and believe what we believe. We find our security within these groups - our family, friends, sports teams, and churches; the list goes on.

Jesus, on the other hand, reached out to people from different groups. He loved reaching out to people seen as weird or awkward, the outsiders. He broke down many cultural barriers when he had a feast with tax collectors, sat down with children, and treated women with respect. When His friends asked Him who was the best, Jesus said we should live in peace with each other. (Mark 9:50)

What if we took Jesus’ words seriously and chose to live past these divisions? A world could exist where we don’t choose sides but find mutual ground with those who are different from us. How might this greater peace look in your close relationships?

Exercise:

Let’s look at our close relationships. How do I know if I need to make peace? When that boy or girl walks into a room, or you hear their name, and you start to cringe or feel uncomfortable - that’s how you know! Don’t just leave it. That feeling will return and bring its older, angrier brother with it. Ask yourself: “Did I do something wrong or say something hurtful to this person? Did this person do something bad to me?” Then talk to God about it.

Prayer:

God, I ask you to let me experience your mind-blowing peace today.