May 27, 2014 Neighbourly Goodness
Tuesday May 27, 2014
God created us to be in relationship with Him and with each other. His desire for human beings is that we never be alone. In our relationship with Him we are to be guided by the love He has for us and in turn let that love be the motivation which helps us love one another. When asked by an expert in religious lawwhich was the most important commandment Jesus replied: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Matthew 22:37-39 NLT)
If we are being unkind to our neighbour we are saying, by our actions, that this is the way we want to be treated. If we treat our neighbour kindly it says we desire to be treated kindly. God invites us to be sensitive and courteous towards one another. He desires that we encourage each other rather than be critical, judgmental, and seek to find fault. When we are wronged we are to forgive as God has forgiven us. When we invite Jesus into our hearts, the life we recover and the sanity to which we are restored, calls us to live as children of light. The fruit of living in the light is goodness, righteousness and truth. Mercy and tenderness are to be our approach as we deal with others. We are to be slow to anger and without irritability; we are to be understanding of the weaknesses of others and faithful to them; we are not to deal with others as we estimate they deserve. It’s a tough order to follow but, we have been called out of darkness into light, therefore we are to reflect the light of Christ to those around us.
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16 MSG)
Today, let’s reflect on how we have been behaving towards family and friends. If we find it hard to love those around us, why not ask God to fill us with His goodness and love, then we will be able to love others as He loves us.
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