By Love Serve One Another

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

                                                                                  (Gal 5:13-15 KJV)

If our sole purpose in this life is to gratify our own egotistic desires we will most probably find ourselves spiritually and emotionally empty and hungry. We will find ourselves with divisions between ourselves and others so numerous that we cannot count them.

On the other hand, if we would but love others as ourselves, we would be more able to live with the differences between us and them in peaceful reconciliation. As we go about our daily lives let us give consideration to how we would have others treat us and treat others in that way. Consider if when you are lonely or depressed would you want someone to be with you to comfort you. Then be there for those who are also alone and depressed. If you and your family were without food or shelter would you have someone assist you? Then, do likewise to those who are in need. If you would live in peace; then let others live in peace. Do not intentionally cause them anxiety or worries of any kind. And, when you help someone; when you are there for them, let it be done with a joyful heart. Do it in a manner that they know that they are loved and not merely a good work that you know that you should do.

Out of love, be there for the people around you. Our personal times and agendas are not more important than loving our neighbors right next door, in our own households, or on the other side of the world.

Loving and serving others will give us purpose that will bring about peace rather than divisions among us.

May God help us to always remember that Jesus so loved us, that he was willing to serve us by giving his life on the cross for us. Being generous and going a little out of our way for the sake of others can't even begin to compare to that!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Not Ugly; Beautifully Made

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:13-14 KJV)

I entered the ladies' room at a local restaurant on Mother's Day to see a woman looking in the mirror above the sink screaming at herself. My presence in the room did not stop her from screaming "You are ugly. You are worthless. You are ugly. Never, never forget that." I could not help but think that on Mother's Day she was or had been verbally and emotionally abused. I could not help but feel sorrow for her lot and prayed a silent prayer for her as she was not to be interrupted. I pray for her this morning; that whatever she was or is going through be relieved and that she realize how precious she is to our Father in heaven. 

Depression; anxiety; loneliness can take over our beings at times. At times like those, remember that you have been made by the hand of God. You have been made in His image. What a wonder that is! 

May God help those who have been made to feel less than realize that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made by the one true God, our Creator, who loves us more than any of His created beings can love.

God's Peace - Pr. J