1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
On Thursday, December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela died at the age of 95. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for twenty-seven years because he opposed apartheid and the oppressive racist policies of the government of South Africa. In 1990, President Willem de Klerk announced the release of Mandela who rose from prison declaring the struggle would continue until the black majority received the right to vote to become President of South Africa in 1991. Mandela rose from prison with a determination to fight for freedom without repaying evil for evil but to unite all people of South Africa. His vision for peace, democracy and freedom for all was one embraced by not only South Africa but the entire world.
Two quotes of President Mandela resonate this Advent season:
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
“No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens but its lowest ones.”
This Advent season may we choose love, goodness, and seek to encourage one another always.
Prayer Focus:
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us the will to live in harmony with one another so that together, with one voice, we may glorify the God of our Lord Jesus Christ and live our lives in ways that reflect our love. Amen
Evelyn Kelly, Ministry Intern
