Do you truly Love?

 Do you truly love?

The apostle Paul writes,

"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.

This is true Christian Love. So the question I pose to anyone who calls themselves a true Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus is; 

Do you truly love?

Please think about it.

Making the right decision

  Making the right decision. 

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.

The Eleven O Clock Parable

It's eleven o clock. Inside the court house a judge is about to make his ruling. A community,... a nation, awaits. 

Will the new law be legal? 

Outside the court house men and women with placards chant. 

On one side of the street stand a group of gay men and women. All in favour of the new law.

On the other side of the street separated by a line of police stand radical evangelicals, denouncing the new law.

One man among them screams angrily . "HOMOSEXUALS ARE GOING TO HELL!!!"

Approached by the media he says it again, "homosexuals are going to Hell." 

From my office window I watch asking myself the question, ‘is this man a Christian?"

Is he treating others the way he would like to be treated?

Wasn't it Christ who told us not only to love our neighbour, but our enemy also?

Wasn't it Jesus who told us not to judge, lest we be judged likewise?

Wasn’t it Christ who said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16,17.  

Is this man and those who agree with him showing Gods love?

Can they be effective in reaching the whole world for Christ, of which a percentage are homosexual?

Are they truly Christian?

A question keeps rolling through my mind for which I know the answer, "Can we truly know what is in someone else's head?

Do we really know why a person is like they are?"

For a moment I stare down at the crowd. All the time asking myself who is on the way to Hell this day, and how can I reach them for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?

Turning away from my window I kneel down and pray, "Lord guide me this day. Let me make the right decision on this law."

I personally believe this judge if he was truly a believer in Christ Jesus, made the right decision. Even if the radical evangelicals didn’t agree with it. What do you think?

Please think about it.

Are you showing this love?

  Are you showing this love?

The apostle Paul writes what has to be the definitive definition of love when he writes,

"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....

                                             1 Corinthians 13:4-8a 

 Is this your definition of love. If you are a Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus, it should be. It should be the kind of love we show to our families, friends and foe alike.

So are you showing this love to those around you?

Please think about it.

Are you loving?

 Are you loving?

The apostle Paul wrote,

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

"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 13:1-8a,13.

Do you truly love? Here in his letter to the Corinthians the apostle Paul tells us what true Christian love is. The kind of love we as Christians must show to the world. To God, our family, friends and foe alike. 

Thus my question to you today, Are you loving the world the way God wants you to love?

Please think about it.

Known For

 Known For

Jesus said,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34,35

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.

Jesus also said,

"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," Matthew 5:43,44

Love is the key to the Christian life. Love for God and love for your neighbour and even your enemy. The definition of love written by the apostle Paul when he wrote,

“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.

If you consider yourself a Christian is this the kind of love you are showing to those around you?

Are you known for your love?

Please think about it.

What kind of love?

  What kind of Love?

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 neighbor as yourself.’  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

Christian love I believe is defined by the apostle Paul when he wrote,

“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.

So my question to you dear reader is; Is the kind of love you practice the kind of love the apostle Paul defines here?

Is the kind of love you practice the kind of Love God wants you to practice, unconditional love?

Please think about it.

The Greatest thing

The Greatest thing

The apostle Paul writes,

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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 13:1-8a,13.

Within this portion of scripture we see the ultimate definition of love. Paul telling us that if we do not have love we are nothing.

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.

So do you love? Do you truly love the way the apostle Paul defines love? 

Next question; do you love your enemy? If you are a Christian, a believer in Christ Jesus you should Jesus said,

"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.  

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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47.

So my final question; Do you love your family friends and foe alike?

Please think about it.

The greatest

 The greatest

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 neighbor as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

Do you show love? Do you show unconditional love in the way Jesus did?

The apostle Paul wrote perhaps the best definition of love ever written. A definition I believe all Christians should follow.

Paul wrote,

“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.

Is this the kind of love you are showing to family, friend and foe alike? If not you should be.

Please think about it.

On Love

On Love
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
In Matthews gospel we also read of Jesus saying,
"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 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.  
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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Matthew 5:43-47.
The apostle John writes,
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1John.
Do you love? Do you love according to the definition of love given by the apostle Paul when he wrote to the Corinthians. When he wrote,

“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.

    Today is Good Friday. The day Jesus showed the world, family, friend, and foe alike how much He loved us by going to the cross and dying for our sins.
Thus my question to you. If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus do you love as a believer in Christ Jesus should love as Jesus loved,... Unconditionally.
     Please think about it.

Equal Unconditional Love

Equal Unconditional Love

The Apostle Paul wrote this definition of Christian love,

“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

Do you love? Do you love each person you come in contact with equally? For example do you love a refugee that comes into your country as much as those who live on the street in your country?
While I know we have a special affection for our immediate family which we know well. Do you show unconditional love to your neighbours, friends and even enemies?
Loving someone be it your immediate family, friends, neighbours and especially your enemies in a Christian manner, in the way God intended us to love can for many, if not most believers in Christ Jesus, be very difficult. Yet we are called to love as Jesus loved, and we know that, that love took Jesus to the cross.
Francis of Assisi wrote this prayer,

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." 

                                                                     Francis of Assisi.

Question: Can you honesty pray this prayer and mean it?
Please think about it.

True Love Defined

True Love Defined
Have you ever wondered what true love is? What God considers true Love?
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians wrote what I believe is the ultimate definition of true love.
All I would ask of you the reader, is to ask yourself, if this is the kind of love you show to others?
The apostle Paul writes,
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 
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. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.  
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.  
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:1-13.
Please think about it.

John 3:17

John 3:17
The Apostle John quoting Jesus speaking of himself states,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17.
Sadly I think many who call themselves Christians fail to see what this portion of scripture means.
 John 3:16,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” is perhaps the most quoted verse in the New Testament. But John 3:17,
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” is overlooked.
The purpose in Jesus coming into the world was to save souls. Not to judge or condemn them. Sadly for many claiming to be Christian this purpose is lost on them. They go around heaping judgement on everyone they disagree with.
Billy Graham the great American Evangelist said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,

 God’s job to judge 

and my job to love, 

                     Billy Graham.

All Christians need to remember this.
Another great evangelist Charles Spurgeon wrote,
“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” Charles H. Spurgeon.
       As Christians we must remember,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

We must remember it was unconditional love that took Jesus to the cross. That it is unconditional love that we as believers in Christ Jesus show to all people.

Please think about it.

Fill the world with Love

Fill the world with Love
There is a musical called Good by Mr. Chips, that I saw as a teenager. One I have never forgotten. The words of one song in that movie has always stayed with me all these years it is called in the Morning of my life. The words state,

“In the morning of my life

I will look to the Sunrise

At a moment in my life 

When the world is new.

And the Question

I shall ask only God can answer.

Will I be brave and strong and true,

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

In the evening of my life

I will look to the sunset

At a moment in my life 

When my life is through.

And the question I shall ask only I can answer 

Was I brave and strong and true.

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through

                                                                             by Leslie Bricusse   

                                                              From the Musical Good by Mr chips.

   Do you love? Do you fill the world with Love?
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus also 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,...” Matthew 5:43,44.
Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver during the dark days of world war two said,
“There is one other fundamental difference between love and hate.  Love is always a refuge.  Hate is never a refuge. 
Only a mentally sick person can find refuge in his hates.  
But love is the enduring sanctuary of life.  Life may rob you of many things.  It often does.  But it can never bereave us of love itself.  That remains.”
-Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver, rabbinic leader, from a December 22, 1940, sermon.
The apostle Paul I believe gave the perfect definition of Love. Unconditional Love. God’s definition of Love, when he wrote,

“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.

When you stand before God on the day of judgement, will you be able to say “I filled the world with love?
Please think about it

Walking in the Truth

Walking int the truth
The Apostle John writes,
“It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.  
And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.  
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:4-6.
Over and over again the apostle John emphasizes that believers in Christ must love. Love must be the motivating force behind all believers in Christ. As I have quoted in previous blogs 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
  What Jesus is saying here echos the words spoke in Deuteronomy that states,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:5-7
If you truly love God then you will love all whom He loves. That means everyone. Jesus speaking of himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” John 3:16,17
It is our duty as believers in Christ to show God’s unconditional love to others. The apostle John emphasizes this over and over again.
It is only by showing the love of God to those around us that we can truly win the world for Christ.
Francis of Assisi penned a wonderful prayer that illustrates this. He wrote,

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love,

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” 

                                                                    Francis of Assisi

If you consider yourself a believer in Christ, ask yourself does this prayer reflect my life?
Please think about it.

The Thread

The Thread
Here is the most important thread that is woven throughout the Gospel of Christ. The apostle John wrote,
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-10.
Here John points out that love comes from God. The we are to love one another. The example being set by God.
The apostle Paul wrote,

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 

                                                                     Romans 5:8.

John in his gospel quotes Jesus speaking of Himself as saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.
As true believers in Christ we must love. Not only because God loved us, but because it is what Jesus told us to do. 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also 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,...” 

                                                         Matthew 4:43,44.

Unconditional love is the cornerstone of Christian belief. John telling us.
“We love because He (God) first loved us.” 1John 4:19.
The apostle Paul defining Christian 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.

If you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus is this the kind of love you are showing toward God, your neighbour and even your enemy?
Please think about it.

Peace Makers

Peace Maker
Jesus said,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they will be called sons of God.” 

Matthew 5:9

       The writer of Hebrews tells 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.

Martin Luther King jr. the American civil rights leader said,

“Love is the only force capable 

of transforming an enemy into friend.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do you as a Christian truly show love toward your fellow man? The apostle Paul defines what true Christian love is when writing to the Corinthians said,

“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

Is this the kind of love you show to people around you. Even your enemy?
While I know the Talmud is not a Christian book it has truths in it that line up perfectly with Christian belief. One such note is this,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?” The Talmud
When someone calling themselves a Christian stands before God. God is not a surprise. The Christian believes in him and that God will judge him.
Thus the first question God may ask may well be,
“Have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
What would you say?
What will God say?
Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to show you your life and what you can do to make yourself a better servant of God.
Please think about it.

Someone said,

Someone said,
Someone said to me that I write and talk about love a lot when I speak about God. They are right. It’s because I believe in what Jesus said 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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                            Matthew 22:36-40.
Jesus also tells Christians,
“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 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.  
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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
  Matthew 5:43-47
I believe as a Christian it is my duty before God to show unconditional love to all people, even if I disagree with them.
Jesus speaking of himself tells Christians.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
It is my belief that if God loved mankind so much He gave us His one and Only Son then the least I can do is show love to those around me.
My parents who were not Christians brought me up to show love and kindness to all people. To help people wherever I could.
While they didn’t realize it they were obeying what Proverbs said,
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” 
                                                                                                      Proverbs 3:3,4.
My Father practiced what he preached and was well respected in his community as a result.
While a young teenager I went to see a move musical called Goodby Mr. Chips in it was a song by Leslie Bricusse that had an impression on me that still resonates with me to this day. It’s called In the morning of my life the words are,

In the morning of my life

I will look to the Sunrise

At a moment in my life 

When the world is new.    

And the Question

I shall ask only God can answer.

Will I be brave and strong and true,

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Will I fill the world with love my whole life through?

In the evening of my life

I will look to the sunset

At a moment in my life 

When my life is through.

And the question I shall ask only I can answer 

Was I brave and strong and true.

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

Did I fill the world with love my whole life through?

                                                                                                   By Leslie Bricusse  
                                                                             From the Musical Good by Mr chips.
Since hearing that song I have become a Christian and realize that one cannot be a Christian without showing unconditional love for God, ones neighbours, and even ones enemies. That is what Christ did that is what all Christian must do.
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.
I believe one day we all will be held to account for our lives before God.
The Talmud while not recognized by Christians as an inspired work of God, tells a story I can see as happening when we stand before God. It says,
“When a man appears before the Throne of Judgment, the first question he is asked is not, “Have you believed in God?”  Or “Have you prayed and observed the ritual?  “He is asked: “have you dealt honourably and faithfully in all your dealings with your fellow men?”
                                                                                           The Talmud.
I believe by showing unconditional love as far as humanly possible to all people irrespective of who they are I could answer that question with a resounding yes.
Martin Luther King Jr. said,
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”
                                                                              Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Writer of Hebrews states
“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.
I believe by showing unconditional love to all those around me I am endeavouring to live at peace with men. I am endeavouring to live a holy life.
Are you?
Please think about it.

On Being Christian

On Being Christian
Do non-Christians see Jesus reflected in your life?
Mahatma Gandhi said,
“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - you are not like him.”
                                                                                             Mahatma Gandhi.
In a previous blog I said the actions of a Christian can and do have eternal consequences.
In the above quote from Mahatma Gandhi we see what he thought about those who claimed to be Christians that were around him.
The same thing is happening today. Non-Christians look at the actions of those calling themselves Christians and cannot see the love of Jesus.
I am always horrified when I see people calling themselves Christians protesting. Be it against abortionist, Gay rights, the rights of Muslims or other groups. This should not be so.
Jesus said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16,17.
Here is the key  
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son...” 
“God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through               him.”
We as Christians are continuing the work of Christ. We are called to go into all the world and “rescue the perishing” as my first pastor was fond of saying.
We cannot do that by protesting.
The apostle Paul says clearly,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                                              1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Here in North America especially in the United States I find that Christians all to often mix politics and their faith. They mix their constitutional rights with their faith. They demand their rights! They seemingly forget that in a secular democracy such as we have in the United States and other western countries all people have equal rights whether we agree with them or not.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                      1 Peter 2:11,12
Notice here Peter says we are “aliens and strangers”. As Christians we are citizens of heaven only passing through this world.
Peter’s call is to 
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
Protesting against anything or anyone is not living a good life. Especially in the eyes of those that are being protested against.
We cannot win a single soul to Christ by protesting against them.
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.
In other words by protesting against someone you disagree with, if you are trying to restrict the rights and freedoms given to any group, you are giving them the right to protest against you and restrict your rights.
Christians need to stop looking at the constitution and the bill of rights. As good as they are they are mans words.
We as Christians need to start studying and taking to heart the words of Jesus and the apostles. Who called us to LOVE God, LOVE our neighbour and LOVE our enemy.
A wise man during world war two in Nazi Germany wrote,
When they came for the Communists,

 I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Communist. 

When they came for the Jews, 

I did not stand up,

 because I was not Jewish.

 When they came for the Catholics, 

I did not stand up, 

because I was not a Catholic. 

When they came for me, 

there was no one left to stand up.

                                                                                    Martin Niemoller.
     We as Christians are called to reach out to even our worst enemy. We must in a free secular democracy accept the fact that all are equal even those whom we disagree with.
     Further more we must use the freedoms our democracy gives us to show LOVE and present to our friends, neighbours and enemies the Salvation that only Christ can bring.
Please think about it.

Christian Actions, Eternal Consequences

Christian actions,  Eternal consequences
Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
                 Matthew 5:13-16.
Here is an interpretation I heard about this verse.
“Christians are the salt of the earth. Their moral values are the moral values of God. They must live out those moral values everyday of their lives for people to see and want to emulate. This draws people to God.
Christians are the light of the world. They are a beacon to a world that is headed toward the rocks of destruction. They are a light shining to show the world the pathway to God.”
If Christians are not living moral lives we cannot be effective witnesses for God.
If we are hiding our faith we cannot point people to God.
A vicious light falls on Christians. We cannot do things lightly. Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
                                                                       Matthew 28:18-20.
Christians have but two responsibilities in this world.
1/ To “ go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
2/ To “teaching them(the new converts/disciples) to obey everything I (Jesus)  have commanded you”
Nothing more. We are not to judge the world no matter how abhorrent the sin. 
Jesus knew what it would take to win the world for Him. 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,”  
                                                                                          Matthew 5:43,44
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 neighbor as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                             Matthew 22:36-40. 
The love Jesus called for is pure love spoken of by the Apostle Paul when he wrote,

“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.
Love, pure love from God, makes no room for judgement. It says I love you no matter who you are or what you have done.
Only when we are showing this kind of love are we able to dreaw people to Christ.
If we are not doing so our actions can and will have eternal consequences.
Please think about it.

Of "some Christians" and Storm troopers

Of “Some Christians” and Storm Troopers
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 
                                                      Matthew 28:18-20.
Note in the above quote from Jesus never said go and protest against the government of Rome or overthrow the religious leaders of the day. He said,
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Jesus in a nutshell taught his disciples to Love God, their neighbour and even their enemy. He made it clear that He was the way to heaven.
Over and over again in the teachings of Jesus and the apostle we read,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  
                                                                                                      Romans 12:18
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,  to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” 
                         Titus 3:1,2
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  
                                                                                  Galatians 5:22,23.
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 
                                                                                           1 Peter 2:12.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
                                                                                                    Matthew 5:9.
Sadly I have heard those calling themselves Christians who were protesting outside of an abortion clinic and protesting against same sex marriage, storm troopers.
These people have not learned from history. Hitler tried to change the world by force. To impose his view on people. To no avail. Sadly however to stop his madness cost in excess of fifty-six million lives.
In the 1920's in the United States, “holier than thou” people passed the prohibition laws yet if some reports are to be believed more alcohol was consumed during prohibition than before it and not only that the money went into the hands of criminals.
Prior to legalizing of abortions, abortions were carried out sometimes with tragic consequences not only to the child but to the mother.
When it comes to same sex marriages it’s a moot point whether to call them marriages or civil unions it’s the same thing. Christians don’t own the word marriage.
Not only that those who oppose same sex marriage and abortion are not considering God in all of this. God knows what is right and wrong. It is God and God alone that must judge every individual and that includes those protesting.
Tony Campolo the American evangelist got it right when he said,
“We ought to get out of the judging business. We should leave it up to God to determine who belongs in one arena or another when it comes to eternity. What we are obligated to do is to tell people about Jesus, and that's what I do.”
                               Tony Campolo.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
                                                                             1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Sadly those calling themselves Christians and wishing to impose Christian values on people are committing a sin. They are judging others when they themselves certainly have sin in their lives.
You cannot legislate morality it must come from within the person. You cannot impose by force your values on anyone. They will not listen. That’s why the Apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?”
We can however judge those inside the church the apostle Paul saying,
“Are you not to judge those inside?  
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 
In demonstrating against anyone or protesting to restrict the rights of those who are not hurting anyone is simply wrong.
The time, money and effort used to protest could be better spent on evangelism. On providing well publicized alternatives positive alternatives to abortion.
On reaching out and building bridges to the LGBT community.
Christianity is first and foremost a faith of Love. Love for God, one’s neighbour and even one’s enemy. We should be living our lives in such a way that non-Christians want to at the very least emulate us.
The Writer of Hebrews tells 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
Unfortunately many calling themselves Christians fail to read and understand Hebrews 12:14.
If they don’t change I believe many of those who are protesting will be judged by God and hear the words Jesus who said,
“Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” 
                                                                                           Matthew 7:22,23.
Please think about it.