In 1 John 3:14 we read: “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other.” In World War Two, Japan occupied Korea. There were religious shrines set up all over the place and people were expected to bow down to them. Esther Ahn Kim was a Christian who refused. … Continue reading Who do you want me to love for you today?
love one another
Inseparable
In the parable of the sower, Jesus talks about a farmer sowing seed. Some of the seed is snatched away, some lands on rocky soil and doesn’t take deep root, and some starts to grow but is choked out by thorns. In verse 15 he says: “But the seed on good soil stands for those … Continue reading Inseparable
Good kinds of hurt?
This might sound strange, but there are good kinds of hurt. Obviously, not all hurt is good, but some of it can be. Here’s what I mean. What I’ve just said is very counter-cultural. A case could be made that our society is highly hedonistic. That’s where the pursuit of pleasure and happiness is the … Continue reading Good kinds of hurt?
Guessing at people’s motives
This week we’re considering Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” It can be tempting to over-simply this idea. That’s what we do when we say it’s “just about being nice.” Well, being nice is good—but it steers us away from thinking more deeply and intentionally about how to … Continue reading Guessing at people’s motives
Doing unto others—together
There’s a story about two brothers. They farmed together, split the work, and split the profits. Each had their own granary. One of the brothers had a family—he was married with some children. The other brother was single. One day the brother who was single and lived by himself thought: ‘If is not fair that … Continue reading Doing unto others—together
Right thinking and right living
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
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?
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
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?
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?
