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love one another

Right thinking and right living

July 23, 2020July 22, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

I sometimes hear people talking (arguing?) about what they think is more important: to agree with the right doctrines, or to be a loving person. Actually, they go hand in hand. But it needs to be stressed that right thinking results in right living.  How we live our lives—including how we love and care for … Continue reading Right thinking and right living

Humility holds a mirror

July 16, 2020July 15, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Jesus’ half-brother James was known for his wisdom and faithfulness. In fact, his nickname was “camel knees” because he apparently spent so much time on his knees in prayer that they swelled and became calloused and huge! He wrote: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is … Continue reading Humility holds a mirror

Can you imagine the sun with no heat?

June 8, 2020June 9, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

The apostle John had a very simple and direct way of saying things: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). He’s saying that if you don’t love, then you don’t know God. Love is so central to who God is, that we can’t neglect it in our … Continue reading Can you imagine the sun with no heat?

You + Jesus = Compassion

May 21, 2020May 20, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

I have a theory: When you think you’re better than other people, you tend to look down on other people. But here’s the flip side. Your compassion towards others increases when you take seriously the extent of your own need. As humans, we don’t tend to want to acknowledge our own flaws. And don’t get … Continue reading You + Jesus = Compassion

Independent or Inter-dependent?

May 19, 2020May 18, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Something a lot of people want to be is independent—not having to rely on other people for anything. It goes along with being “self-made” or “self-reliant.” But one of the things COVID-19 has taught us is how inter-dependent we are. This point was made in a recent conversation I had with a friend and colleague … Continue reading Independent or Inter-dependent?

Today is Maundy Thursday. Here’s why

April 9, 2020April 8, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Maundy Thursday is one of those days that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. What does the name mean? Why do some churches hold special services? The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. Although he spoke Aramaic, the oldest records of his words are in Greek. Those words have been translated … Continue reading Today is Maundy Thursday. Here’s why

How will we judge ourselves?

March 27, 2020March 26, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Why do bad things happen? Well, in certain situations that’s an easy question to answer. For example, if we drive carelessly and hurt ourselves in an accident the reason is because we were driving carelessly. But there are other times when an explanation isn’t so easy. But do you know what? Even when we don’t … Continue reading How will we judge ourselves?

To simply listen

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Today is Valentine’s Day. Although it’s a day often characterized by cards, chocolates and romance, did you know that Valentine was actually a Christian martyr from the 3rd century? [If you want to know more about him, or some advice for a stronger love, click on the blog post below.] But today I want to … Continue reading To simply listen

A wall you build between you and God

February 11, 2020February 10, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Your ego is a wall you build between you and God. Let me explain. Ego is an inflated sense of self; a disproportionate love of self; and a me-first approach to life which reeks of superiority. By focusing on how great you think YOU are, you neglect how great God is, and how other people … Continue reading A wall you build between you and God

When you’re always rushing

January 24, 2020January 23, 2020 / MatthewRuttan / Leave a comment

Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). John writes that “if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12). To the Romans, Paul says, “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up” (Romans 15:2). I don’t … Continue reading When you’re always rushing

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