Let the love and life of Jesus fill my heart and soul completely so be a source of love and light to others.
“For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you - it has not proven to be purposeless… But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition… For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed - God is our witness - nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others, although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us… As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory…. For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? For you are our glory and joy!” (1 Thessalonians 2)
1 Thessalonians chapter 2 is an amazing message of love for others that is much needed as we start a new week after last weeks shooting of Charlie Kirk and all the calls for changing the political hate and violence in our country. Paul gives us an example as followers of Jesus of how we are to seek out those who do not know Christ, have different beliefs from us, and embrace and enter into conversations and their lives with compassion, respect and love. Sharing with them the gospel of the love and grace of Jesus Christ not out of a position of superiority in being right, but in humility know any righteousness we can claim was given to us out of humility as well.
Paul’s heart breaks as he says “Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives,” For Paul to have a place and a people to love and care for them, he states he had to go to them and give them access into his life. We as well can not love and care for a people and a place unless we also going to them and giving them access to our lives. Who is your “Thessolanica? Who are the people and where is the place you are humbly, with love and compassion sharing the Gospel of love and grace? Leaders in out country are saying this is a “watershed moment” in our country and we need to choose whether we are going to continue encountering people with different beliefs in division and hate or encounter them with love and compassion. You are not going to be part of this “change,” you are not going to help make a change, and it is not going to happen by you sitting at home reading “clicking the “Like” button, and posting on Facebook, Tik Tok, and other social media sights. Change is not going to happen by talking and discussing these events in your small groups, churches, like minded co-workers and friends. Change will only happen if you look in the mirror and change, and you go out and become an example of love and compassion in your Thessolanica.
My family, I pray this morning that this morning’s bible reading speaks to you above and over the social media posts that are also speaking to you and you pray for the courage to go and make yourself available to those with different beliefs with humility, compassion and love, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
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