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Mountainview Family,   

Several years ago I read about actor Robin Williams and his mental health battles. He said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Through our current Monsters in the Closet series, I’ve come to believe he was right. Some in my close circles, people I talk to frequently, have told me about the battles they are dealing with…and I had no idea. So now, more than ever, I repeat his statement, “Be kind. Always.”  

I love what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus…  

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up,  as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV  

I believe God uses real, radical kindness to bring people together. Kindness works from the inside out in both the giver and receiver. And what’s the best kind? It’s the kindness given to people who don’t appreciate or deserve it. This is the kindness God demonstrates. I believe the answer to many of the problems in our world today is kindness. It can absolutely change the world.   

Pray for Ukraine

I’m connected with several Christian missionaries in Ukraine who are doing everything they can to be a light in the darkness. I’ve spent several days praying for them and mourning about the pain both Ukrainians and Russians will experience because of what is happening.   The word “sin” first appears in Genesis when Cain killed his brother Abel. Since that moment it has been a part of human nature to be driven toward war, not peace.   

Here are the prayers I’m praying. Feel free to use these as your own prayers:

I’m asking God… ·       

  • …for an end to this violent attack on Ukraine. 
  • …to humble the controlling leadership.  ·       
  • …that all people will move toward peace and justice, not war.  ·       
  • …to hear the cries of suffering people all over the world, especially those who are victims of violence and war. ·       
  • …to make His mercy known to a badly fractured world.  ·       
  • …to use Christians all over the world, including me, to be peacemakers.   

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers. This means we must live with a courageous pursuit of peace. We are called to be active, not passive. Let’s stand and fight for peace with a different mindset and with different tools.   

Join us either Sunday in person or online at 9:00 or 10:40 as we continue our Monsters in the Closet series.

See you then!   

Grace & Peace Pastor Tom