Christian Actions
The apostle Paul wrote,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
Romans 12:9-18.
Question, do you do everything Paul says above?
When I first met my mother in law she was as they say dirt poor. I can honesty say at the time she was living in as close to third world conditions as anyone could here in Canada.
She only had a grade five education and had gone through a lot in life. She lived in an old farm house. Her and her third husband raised a few chickens, and pig to supplement their food.
Her husband worked at in a factory for very poor wages. She worked as a dishwasher and kitchen help at a resort and in restaurants near where she lived for minimum wage.
Yet she still managed to bring up six children.
As the kids grew up they finally helped her to move out of her poverty and up the economic ladder at least a little bit.
Yet still by Canadian standards she lived below the poverty line.
The one thing I remember about her however was that she always had a smile a hug and at least a cup of tea for anyone who dropped over.
Every Easter Christmas, Thank giving and New years there was always plenty of food and a spare seat and extra food for anyone who just might drop in or was spending the holidays alone be they family friends of complete strangers she usually met in church.
I never heard her ever say a bad thing about anyone.
She was far from a bible scholar but she witnessed to people by her life and lifestyle.
She invited people to church and could always find the good in everyone.
When she died my wife without thinking really kept the custom going opening our house as small as it is to family and anyone who may be spending the holidays alone.
We only have a small house but we do what we can. Some years we have a house full others we have had only family.
I remember when her younger sister was alive. With only living in a small apartment, she’d always bring friends or people she’d met at church over. It was a good way to witness, even though we didn’t quote a lot of scripture.
My mother in law was not perfect, nor are my wife and I. Still we try our best to live our lives in a way we feel Christ would have us live it.
Anyone can do it.
Read the words of Paul again,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. “
Romans 12:9-18.
Think about it.
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