Yesterday was a long day. I awoke at 3:30 AM and had to do many things before I took my daughter on the long trip to the airport. When I finally went to bed at 10:30 or so PM, I was tired. So, today, I slept late- 8AM or so (and that is late for me anymore). But, as I awoke, Pal was licking my right hand and for some reason, kept on doing it for the longest time. When he stopped, he just changed his position and snuggled- just to be closer to me. You know, there are times when I just love having dogs. They are easy to love!!! But, the though occurred to me- do I really love those who do not seem to worth it? This was one of the things discussed in a recent Sunday Evening Adult Bible Study Class and for whatever reason, I have been thinking about it for several days. Jesus is very plain in his teaching and his words should make us all think...
Matthew, Chapter 5
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Honestly, sometimes I practice what Jesus teaches and other times, no. I am imperfect, but I don't want to stay that way. It is not that I am awful, I just need refinement. Sunday, our Bible instructor, Larry Shatzer, said that fulfilling verse 44 was probably one of the hardest things to accomplish as a Christian and I agree with him. Perhaps a good place to start is just to be there for someone- even an enemy!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment