Reference no: EM133363504

Shalom is a Hebrew word that connotes a sense of well-being, wholeness, peace or fulfillment. I believe that God intends all aspects of creation to experience shalom and that our daily interactions with each other either enhance or diminish our own sense of peace, well being or wholeness and that of our neighbors. Thus, I would like for us to engage in an activity that will cause us to reflect a bit on what it means to be a responsible human being and/or to reflect the image of God in this world. It may also open our eyes to what it means to love God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and our neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).

Sometimes we are the subjects and our actions and words either enhance or diminish another person's (our neighbor's) sense of well-being. In other words, we initiate the action and the other is the one acted upon (recipient of our actions). At other times, we are the objects and someone either says or does something that enhances or diminishes our sense of shalom. In these cases, the other is the subject or initiator and we are acted upon (recipient).

Furthermore, critical reflection on our interactions with other people might help us cultivate certain spiritual disciplines.

LIST:

Using Biblegateway.com or a Bible concordance, select and list three passages of scripture (two must be from the Old Testament) that refer to the word "peace."

ANALYZE:

How does each text use the word "peace" or shalom? Do the passages of scripture differ in their understanding of the word? How does each text help you understand the meaning of the word?