Articles
Are we listening
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, you may remember His answer: "And He said to him, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOU HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND." This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)
Every part of our lives involve these two basic commands. We show our fear of God, and our love and care for our neighbor. (Ecclesiastics 12:13)
You may remember the question asked of Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"(Luke 10:29) Jesus used a parable about a man going from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell among robbers, was beaten, and left half dead. (Luke 10:30) Two men passed the man by (a priest and a Levite). But a Samaritan, an enemy of the Jews at the time, had compassion on the man, and stopped to help. After doing all he could for him, he left him at the inn for further care vowing to repay any expense for his needs.
Then Jesus answered the question asked of Him with a question: "Which of these three do you think PROVED TO BE A NEIGHBOR TO THE MAN who fell into the robbers hands." And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him". And Jesus said to him, 'GO AND DO THE SAME." (Luke 10:36,37)
Are we listening!! Jesus teaches us to care for the needs of our fellow man, whenever the opportunity arises. Especially to those of our brethren.
We all come upon opportunities day by day to do good for others. It may not be saving a life, but there are many needs out there if we only pay attention.
In Matthew chapter six we find Jesus teaching about prayer. After warning not to pray like some others do (Gentiles and some Pharisees) He prayed a short but meaningful prayer. After finishing the prayer, Jesus made a comment of importance about forgiveness in verse 14,15.
"For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." (Matthew 6:14,15)
So, we see a profound lesson reminder for us today. Forgiveness comes from a heart and attitude of humility and merciful behavior. Remember some words in Philippians chapter 2 about our Lord and His demeanor.
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with HUMILITY OF MIND let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself , taking the form of a BOND SERVANT, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:3-8)
The Apostle Paul exhorts the brethren in the Galatian churches to always do good, especially to our brethren.
"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us DO GOOD GO ALL MEN, ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH." (Galatians 6:9,10)
So, God must always come first, others next and selves last. Are we thinking and behaving the way Jesus did? If not. let us be reminded of what our Lord taught, and displayed in His life. Are we listening? Thanks for just a bit of you time this December 25th.
Ross
