June 2, 2018 Saturday

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” (Romans 12:14-16 NKJV)

            While this is part of the same message and is still a definition of true love Paul spreads the power of love to those outside the faith and even to our enemies.  In a world where often the slogan is “Get even – first” God makes the incredible call for us to forgive those who persecute us.

            This call may seem very hard for us but Jesus while on the cross would out of suffering cry out “Father forgive them”.  Jesus asked forgiveness for those who crucified Him but I believe this forgiveness is offered to all of us.

            If we are honest, by our sin we “persecute” Jesus and caused the need for the crucifixion.  Jesus bore our sin and our suffering and paid for our “persecution” and disrespect of God.  Jesus in love did for us what we could not do for ourselves.

            Some may think it unfair for God to call us to love our enemies and even those who harm us or our families but Jesus did that for us!  Over the years I have developed what I call theologies which includes,

God never asks anything of us He hasn’t already given to us and God never asks us to do anything He hasn’t already done for us.

            In this spirit we are called to care for others sacrificially and share their joys and their tears.  We must learn to do more then be envious of those who succeed and offer platitudes to those who hurt and grieve. 

            This call means we must prepare ourselves for these situations and ask God to guide us in what to say and do.  If we are guided by our own wisdom we can cause more pain rather than the help and support they need.  We must be guided by Jesus who spent time and prayer and always acted in obedience to the Father.

            Do you use the sacrifice of Jesus as an example of how to treat people?  Do you use the example of Jesus to pray and seek to be obedient to God in how you live and treat others?  Are you willing to love those who hate you, persecute you and harm your family?

            Went to Men’s breakfast at Asbury and Bonnie went to the Asbury Women’s breakfast. That night Jonathan and Bonnie’s mom came over for supper and movie night.  It is always a good time to be together.  I pray I will be able to go to worship tomorrow.  It has been a long time since I have done so much in one day.