What does it mean to “live biblically”? Lots of people have lots of interpretations of what that means. Some of them are strict, while others offer a lot of leeway. Some are harsh, while others lift up a consequence free way of being.
My hope is that “living biblically” is a life that moves to the heartbeat of the divine. On reading or hearing the word of God, we are inspired to live with love and compassion for one another. When we go to our Holy Scriptures seeking guidance, we should go seeking a way for reconciliation and not one that leads to more pain.
Both are there, though. If we go to the Bible seeking a sword, we will find it. If we go seeking a way to love more deeply our neighbour, we will find that too.
Let us seek love. May God’s word be a lamp at our feet and light to our path of love for one another.
Let us hear these words and pray.
Psalm 119:105-112:
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.
I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your decrees are my heritage for ever; they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes for ever, to the end.
God of light and life, we thank you for the breath of the Holy which we are gifted with each day. We thank you for walking with us through our days and guiding our steps by the light of your word.
Forgive us those times where we have used your word – your law – to diminish or oppress our neighbour. Empower us the commandments which your Son gave us: to love you with our whole being and to love one another. May this be the light by which we live our lives.
Watch over us as we strive to be bearers of your word to others, help us to share your light with those who walk in darkness.
We offer this and all our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, your Word incarnate, your light in the world. AMEN