Aaahhh! This COVID-19 has really changed nearly all aspect of our lives. The ways we connect and share with our church and/or families. So as in pursuing education, and even the ways we shop in the market or groceries. They all have been affected by this virus phenomenon and so as the safety protocols surrounding it. Another very significant part of our lives that has been altered is our obedience to the Great Commandments—particularly the one about loving our neighbors as ourselves. The practice of social distancing has somehow introduced a limiting factor in a way....hmmm....quite a challenging predicament.
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It brings to my thoughts the words of the Master...."You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.'".....and somehow feeling of a heavy hand in this situation had established a limit to what a full practice of love brings. And hmmm...., a very challenging spectacle..., really a big call, dare or invitation to Christians out there!
Hey!.., did anyone notice? These came not as suggestions to be considered, they are commands to be obeyed. Quite a pretty tall order hey? Perhaps could be, but definitely within the realm of possibility. Jesus would never tell us to do something we could not do. Bear that in mind that would be unjust. We can bless, we can do good, we can pray for and forgive those who have wronged us. We definitely can....
So when people will say, "I can't forgive," that generally means, "I won't forgive." The ability to love, bless and forgive is within us – because God is within us. Learn to let His nature of love dominate you. Choose to love with willingness. Let what God has put on the inside come out and be displayed on practice.
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The world needs to see real love – the kind of unconditional love that brought us into God's family. Still remember that time?! And they need to see it in us. If we really are the children of God, then His nature should be displayed in us and through us. The most outstanding feature of God's nature is love. God is primarily a personification of love.
Ooopps, one last thing. When you choose to love and forgive those who have wronged you, you set a prisoner free. And that prisoner is no other but.., you.
Shalom!
VERSE-MEAL:
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
CTTO: **All photos herein are to be credited to the owner**
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