Sabeel’s open forum continues this month with reflections over the importance of prayer for the Palestinian leadership. They are going to the United Nations in order to press for full recognition of Palestine as a state, Thirty three Palestinian Christians joined Sabeel Jerusalem for its monthly community program “Open Forum” The title was “The Palestinian People Deserve” by Rev. Naim Ateek. He explained the significance of seeking justice. He emphasized the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and their determination to get full recognition for their state regardless of the fact that the USA may use its right to Veto the proposal
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The Biblical reflections were from:
Romans 13: 8-14
Love for One Another
“ Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery; you shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet’; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Matthew 18:15-17
Reproving another Who Sins
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax-collector.”
The program ended by Rev. Naim’s encouraging words that to love one another is the core of Christian faith. The Palestinian people deserve to be loved and to live in hope and justice.