UNITING
PSALM 51 is our Psalm for this Sunday. It is commonly thought to be David’s expression of remorse over his acts of adultery and murder.
On reading the account of these actions it appears quite clear that his decisions were morally and ethically wrong.
Yet, it was only when David was spoken to by his friend, the prophet Nathan, that he seems to become totally aware of what he had done.
His power as king appears to have blinded him to the consequence of his actions.
Being aware of our power is important.
So too is having trusted people who can speak honestly to us about how our decisions impact those around us.
Power is about how we operate, what our values are and who are we serving.
It is present in all facets of life, from the family structure, church and community organisations, large corporations and government.
Choosing how we utilise power is a great responsibility, as is recognising the impact of our decisions.
Nathan used his power when he spoke to David.
It would not have been an easy or comfortable conversation for either of them.
We all need a Nathan in our lives, someone who we respect and trust who can make us aware of our attitudes and actions, because the truth is, we may not always be aware of the impact of our decisions and actions. Likewise, at times we may be the one to be Nathan for another.
The way we approach these conversations is as powerful as the words spoken.
The power of friendship is sometimes overlooked or taken for granted.
It is often small thoughtful messages or acts that lift our spirits and can mean so much to others.
As we continue to navigate the complexities involved in being caring communities in an environment that is continuing to change, checking in with one another is a power we all have.ANGLICAN
TODAY is listed as International Friendship Day, started by the United Nations in the hopes of inspiring world peace.
When you were very small, you probably had a “friend” which was a special bedtime doll or teddy bear – even a meerkat, in my family!
School children develop friendships which often last a lifetime.
Adults friends could be workmates or someone to travel with on holidays.
Special friends might grow up to become married couples.
J.M. Scriven, born 202 years ago, was to write the words of a well known and loved hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus.”
C.C. Converse, 1832 – 1918, would add the familiar melody printed in “Hymns for Today’s Church”, 373 (ii).
Michael Jackson came to fame through his hit song of friendship with a rat named “Ben.”
Today we are asked to think more broadly about what it is to ‘be’ a friend; this is much more than to ‘have’ a friend.
The second of the two great commandments tells us to care for one another just as we would wish to be cared for.
With so many in isolation, and being forbidden neither to have or to be visitors, we must send our loving messages electronically.
However human beings are created to be social animals, and feel the deprivation of personal interaction very deeply.
Nat King Cole recorded a song called “Nature Boy.”
The last line was “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.”
That’s the deal God offers each of us.
