Theme for week: Born from Above to Love
November 16, 2021 (Tuesday)
Jesus sometimes surprised his hearers by what he said. For instance, he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-46 NIV).
Jesus practiced what He preached. Long, long ago, the prophet Isaiah stood at the foot of the Cross upon which Jesus died for us all and described the scene, hundreds of years before it actually happened: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (Isaiah 53:3 NIV). Fast forward to the day Jesus was crucifed. The scene is described: “”When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ (Luke 23:33-34 NIV).
What will happen if you obey Jesus’ commandments? Jesus said. “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble” (Matthew 5:11-12 MSG).
Jesus taught us that we are like salt and light to the world; we can make a difference by being different. We have a choice. We can be be part of the hatred that has engulfed many in our world, or we can do the unthinkable by loving all people, mo matter who they are.
As Christians we have a three-fold duty to all people: 1. To confess our need of each other. 2. To pray for each other. 3. To love each other.
https://youtu.be/KP7ebuH7pAg
OTHERS
Words: Charles D. Meigs, 1902
Music: William E. M. Hackleman, 1915
1902, 1915
Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for others.
Refrain:
Yes, others, Lord, yes, others,
Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others,
Help me to live for others,
That I may live like Thee,
That I may live like Thee.
Help me in all the work I do
To ever be sincere and true,
And know that all I’d do for You
Must needs be done for others.
Refrain
Let “Self” be crucified and slain
And buried deep: and all in vain
May efforts be to rise again,
Except to live for others.
Refrain
So when my work on earth is done,
And my new work in heav’n’s begun,
I’ll praise You for the crown I’ve won,
But praise You more for others.
Refrain