Neighbourly Goodness
Saturday May 13, 2017
God created us to be in relationship with Him and with each other. This is the fulfilling life of belonging that God wants us to recover. God’s desire for human beings is that they know they never have to be alone. In our relationship with Him, we are covered by the love He has for us, and in turn, that love becomes the motivation which helps us love others.
When asked by an expert in religious law, which is 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 neighbor, 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’s desire is 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. It’s a tough order to follow but, we have been called out of darkness into light, therefore in our new life with God in recovery we are to reflect the light of Christ to everyone 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, let’s ask God to fill us with His goodness and love, so we can love others as He loves us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for helping me to recover a meaningful life of belonging in relationship with You and others. Please fill me with your goodness and love so I will naturally love others as You love me. AMEN
©2017 Partners in Hope
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