1 John 5:1-6 (NRSV)
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Chapter 5Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. Verse 2By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. Verse 3For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, Verse 4for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Verse 5Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Verse 6This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
Devotion
With the privilege and responsibility of being godparents, my wife and I attended the baptism of my new nephew, Adam. The young Joyful Singers choir of eight processed in and sat in the front pew during the opening hymn, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling." The pastor invited me to join in pouring the baptismal water over Adam's head.
Afterwards, the pastor invited the congregation to share the peace of the Lord. The youth choir poured out of the pews like the water over Adam's head. They didn't share the peace with me, they went right for the baby. They touched his wet hair, patted him on the tummy, grabbed his hand, and said in turn, "Hi, God bless you", "Peace to you," "Peace of the Lord, Adam," "God loves you."
Prompted? Yes.
By their choir director? I don't think so.
By the Spirit? I'm sure of it.
Holy Hospitality? Indeed.
Prayer
God of grace, may your Spirit continue to prompt both big and little people to share your peace and love in a hurting world. Amen.