Through thick and thin, and regardless of whether things are easy or difficult, the apostle John has some sage counsel: “For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another” (1 John 4:11).We tend to pay attention to what some people say more than others.For example, let’s … Continue reading Love one another, regardless
love your neighbour
Who’s taking care of this kid?
In one of his books Martin Thielen tells the story of a man named Gus. He got cancer and was angry about it. It was inoperable.‘Why me?’When he was in hospice he noticed a girl who was five years old. She too was a patient. It just seemed wrong that a five-year old was in … Continue reading Who’s taking care of this kid?
People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” Let me say something which is perhaps a bit awkward. People can be difficult. They can rub us the wrong way. You know … Continue reading People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
When good people do nothing
I was recently watching an episode of When Calls The Heart. A young boy named Cody was told a life-principle by his teacher, Elizabeth: “Bad things happen when good people do nothing.” I’m sure it’s a famous quote from somewhere (I’m just not sure), but the episode went on to show how the opposite is … Continue reading When good people do nothing
Not determined by the enemy
Jesus said: “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). Yup, that’s a very difficult thing to do, especially when you’ve been wronged in some way. Lately I’ve noticed how our society disagrees with Jesus' words. When someone wrongs you it … Continue reading Not determined by the enemy
Showing mercy broadly
In the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, two respectful people—a priest and a Levite—pass by a man who has been stripped, beaten, and left half-dead. He needs help, but they don't. Luke 10:33-34 tell us what happens next: “But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, … Continue reading Showing mercy broadly
A helping hand
All this week we’ve been thinking about Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This verse takes a second to say, and a life-time to try to live out. But since these worthy words are from the lips of King Jesus, it’s definitely a noble and … Continue reading A helping hand
Collateral goodness
Collateral damage is damage that is considered to be secondary or incidental. For example, if civilians are killed by a bomb that was meant to hit a military target that is sometimes called “collateral damage.” A less severe example might be getting hit with a foul ball at a baseball game. Someone might also call … Continue reading Collateral goodness
