If you are
The book of James states,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you speak and act as someone who will be judged? Are you merciful to those around you?
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Put this way in the year of Our Lord 2019 this means,
If you are...
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40.
Earlier in the gospel of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying,
“You have heard that it was said,
‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons 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.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines love as,
The book of James states,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12,13.
If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus do you speak and act as someone who will be judged? Are you merciful to those around you?
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
Put this way in the year of Our Lord 2019 this means,
If you are...
demonstrating against anyone.
You are telling them
they can demonstrate against you.
If you are...
speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others
given to them by the lawfully elected government.
You are telling others
they can try to restrict your rights.
If you are...
imposing your morals however good they may be on others.
You are telling them
they can impose their morals on you,
even if they are not as good as yours.
If you are ...
trying to impose your faith on others
rather than presenting your faith.
You are telling others
they can impose their faith on you.
If you are...
judging others.
You are telling others
they can judge you in the same way.
If you...
are telling the world you are a Christian
You should be telling the world
I love you as Jesus loves you,...
unconditionally.
Jesus when asked,“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40.
Earlier in the gospel of Matthew Jesus is recorded as saying,
“You have heard that it was said,
‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be sons 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.”
Matthew 5:43-45.
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines love as,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13
The apostle Paul telling us,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
The Writer of Hebrews telling us,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men
and to be holy;
without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
Please especially if you consider yourself a Christian think carefully about it.