2024_12_09 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Acts 18:1-28, 1 Corinthians 16:19, 2 Timothy 4:19, Romans 16:3-5
The emphasis of the second week of Advent is peace. The Hebrew word often translated as peace is shalom. Shalom is more than the absence of conflict; it is completeness, a full state of well-being. Another aspect of peace can be harmony in relationships. We see this in the relationship between Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila.
Paul refers to the husband and wife as his co-workers. We know from this week’s reading that they hosted a church in their home and traveled with Paul. In Romans 16, Paul said they risked their lives for him and that he and all the Gentile churches were thankful for them. Priscilla and Aquila were known and loved.
The peace that comes from relational harmony is no small thing. We may take it for granted until we are faced with a relationship that is fraught with conflict. The peace that comes from relational harmony is more than just getting along or agreeing; it comes from a place of mutual respect and truthfulness. God created us (even the most introverted among us) to be in relationship with each other.
The holidays provide numerous opportunities to be with family and friends. As you navigate these relationships, consider the state of your interactions. Do your relationships foster peace or conflict? What role do you play in this dynamic? Remember, peace is a fruit of the Spirit. For those who follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit has already planted the seeds of peace within us. It is our responsibility to nurture these seeds and let peace flourish in our hearts and lives. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is our guide. As we strive to imitate Him, peace should be our ultimate goal, and the Holy Spirit is there to guide us on this journey.
Priscilla and Aquila, with their unwavering loyalty and faithfulness, were not just friends, but beacons of transformation. They opened their homes and lives to others, setting an inspiring example for individuals and married couples alike. Their actions remind us that God can use our life circumstances to bring others to Himself. By giving of themselves, Priscilla and Aquila touched many lives. Their example is a challenge for us to follow in their footsteps, making a positive impact wherever we go.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach