May 19: The Restoration of the Social Fabric

May 19: The Restoration of the Social Fabric

Scripture: "And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities..." — Isaiah 61:4

Sin "tore" the "Plan A" of our "Social Fabric." We have "broken families," "divided communities," and "isolated individuals." But God’s "Plan B" includes the "Restoration of the Community." He wants to use us as "Repairers of the Breach"—those who "rebuild" the "ruins" of human relationships.

The "Truth of the Body" is that we "need each other." We are not "islands"; we are "members of one another." God’s "Plan B" for our "Social Health" is the "Church"—a "Community of Grace" where the "fallen" are "lifted" and the "lonely" are "included." This is the "Love of God" in "Collective Action."

"Repairing the ruins" requires "Persistence" and "Forgiveness." It’s not "easy work," but it is "God’s work." As Adventists, we are called to be "Community Builders"—those who "reach out" to the "marginalized" and "restore" the "dignity" of every person. This is the "Plan B" of "Social Justice."

Who in your "community" is "living in ruins" today? How can you "help rebuild" their "hope"? Be a "Repairer of the Breach." Use the "tools of Grace" to "raise up" the "desolations" around you. In "repairing others," you will find your "own ruins" are being "restored."

Reflection Questions:
What "broken relationship" in my life needs "repairing"?
How can I be a "Community Builder" in my local church or neighborhood?
Do I view "Social Justice" as a part of God's "Plan B" for the world?

Source: Inspired by The Ministry of Healing, Chapter: "The Contact of the Human with the Divine," Ellen G. White; "Service" series by John Bradshaw.