John 20:24-29

John 20:24-29 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  I've said this time and time again, but Thomas doesn't get enough credit.  First of all, earlier in the Gospels, it's Thomas who convinces the disciples to follow Jesus back to Judea, where the Jews were ready to stone Jesus.  And here, it's Thomas who continues to show up and be present with the disciples even when he isn't certain as to the truth of their accounts.  He doesn't give up, doesn't turn away -- he keeps meeting with them, and as a result of his faithfulness, he understands the truth of the resurrection and worships Jesus Christ in the flesh.
  So there's something to be said for showing up, even when you don't feel like it.  There's something to be said for continuing to persist with people you may disagree with, because Jesus may still show up, even if everyone isn't certain as to their role in the community.  There's something to be said for consistent faithfulness, and I think it's a trait sorely lacking in the world today.  In the 'cancel culture', where people are too quickly cast out and discarded, let's be patient and persevere with the community, trusting in the Savior who brings us together to show up and bind us more tightly to one another as we join in the Kingdom of God.