Blow it all up!

Our world is presently rocked by a war in Iran, angry nations experiencing the loss of life and destruction of property that goes with angry conflict of nations. Personally, we all experience anger and disagreement. Most of the time we do not resort to violent means. More commonly we let a war of words break out, feelings are hurt, and sometimes relationships end.

Anger is like dynamite! Explosives are a boon to humanity. The combustion engines that give energy to our vehicles are really just controlled explosions. We blast through rocks to build roads through mountains. Rockets ride the release of huge amounts of energy to venture from earth into space. And we know too well from watching the news this week that explosives are also a terrible blight, destroying cities and killing thousands.

In much the same way, we can use anger to change our world, to deal with injustice, to challenge some evil that needs to be eradicated. Too much anger can destroy a friendship, tear apart a marriage, turn a man into a murderer, or drive a nation to war! But if we are too apathetic to become angry, we will learn to live with situations that need to be changed.

It is critically important that anger is kept within boundaries. When anger builds in us a whole range of responses begin to occur. Blood pressure increases. Our heart rate goes up. Adrenaline pours into our body preparing us for a fight! If we are not accustomed to managing our emotions, anger will quickly cause us to move toward irrational thoughts that turn into blind rage.

That is why I call anger the emotion the devil loves! The Scripture speaks of anger, not as sin, but with caution so that it does not cause us to sin. Jesus Christ, the Sinless Man, grew angry! Mark tells us that when some religious leaders resisted His work of healing because of the Sabbath traditions, "He looked around at them in anger, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts!" Then, too, there is that well-known incident when an angry Jesus took up a whip and drove the money changers from the Temple grounds because their greed led them to exploit worshippers! He shouted at those crooks – “My house will be called a house of prayer,’[a] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.”  (Matthew 21)

IF we want to avoid being consumed by anger we must learn to limit how far we allow to reach into our lives and how long we allow ourselves to remain angry. The wisdom of Scripture says:
"Don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT) And
"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:19-21, NKJV)

Be honest with yourself when you're starting to feel angry. If you are not, the emotion is so powerful it will find a way to seep into many other parts of your life like a corrosive acid that opens your mind to temptations around lust, rage, uncontrolled spending, or misuse of alcohol and/or drugs! It is true! Many people with life-controlling issues are really just angry children inside, looking for relief from the suppressed anger they feel over situations they think they cannot control.

So how can we keep anger from blowing up our world?

1. Be quick to invite another to monitor your anger.
As you talk about being angry you will be more likely to properly identify the source so you can find the right solution.

2. Pray about your anger!
The last thing you may feel like doing when you're growing angry at someone is taking it to the Lord, but it is one of the first responses for those who are Christ's. Invite the Holy Spirit to calm you, to give you insight, to drain selfishness from your soul.

3. Deal with it now!
Don't stuff anger away under pious talk, or diversions that keep you from thinking about it. In just a few hours, minor irritation can turn into a major conflict if it is not promptly dealt with.

4. Learn to forgive.
To forgive doesn't mean 'just forget about it.' Forgiveness is a choice to turn some injustice over to Him, with the sure knowledge that He will, in His time and with His wisdom, bring about true justice - maybe not today or tomorrow, but He will.

So, you can take that person, that situation, that wound to Him and leave it with Him. "Lord, I have not been able to deal with this. I can't solve it, I can't control it, I can't work it out. I give it to You. I release it to You and ask You to let my heart leave it there." It is simply amazing that peace can flow into our lives IF we choose to forgive others in this manner!

5. Repent, if you have stepped over the line from anger to rage!
Own your emotions and responsibility for them. Nobody can cause us to sin. As much as we don't believe this it is true: nobody makes us angry. We choose that response! And where we choose to sin, the Bible calls us to confess and in confession to find the Lord's forgiveness and release from guilt.

America is full of ungodly anger today at least in part because we are so fearful. We fear the future. Constand exposure to news channels makes us afraid of our neighbors. Christian, settle yourself in the care and love of the Father who holds you in the palm of His hand. And, then I pray that the Holy Spirit will fill our hearts with serenity. From that place of peace, we will become peacemakers who bring reconciliation and live the word of Jesus who said - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, NIV)

May we live as agents of peace in our violent world for the glory of God. Amen.

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My neighbor in the Middle East

This week our news has been filled with scenes of destruction, bombs and missiles raining down on cities across the Middle East. I am concerned that being able to watch this kind of warfare on screens in our living rooms will make the war more like a video game, robbing us of our empathy and care for real people who live in fear, whose lives are at risk every moment, and whose future is uncertain.

This CoffeeBreak is not pro-war or anti-war, nor are my words to be read as supporting or opposing the policies of our government. I write as a Christian to remind us that in spite of thousands of miles of distance from war zones we are still ‘neighbors.’  We share a common humanity with those in that region.

Tragically, ours is a culture of violence. Our movies create heroes who solve major problems with a spray of bullets. Our kids play realistic video games in which they learn to kill efficiently. Somehow, though we would deny it, I think many subconsciously have come to believe that the answer to evil in the world is producing more bombs and bullets!

Nations around the world build ever bigger machines of war spending treasure by the $billions to create weapons that kills more efficiently. And what are Christians saying? Many of us are silent; perhaps confused by the situations we face or even feeling it is foolish to advocate for other means of confronting evil. It may seem unpatriotic not to join the chorus for war and to rejoice in the destruction of those who oppose us. But what does God, our Father ask of us?

Yes, timid prayers for peace may be offered in churches. Lip service may be given to ‘loving our enemies’ but largely, it would seem to me, that many of us are largely ignorant of the core message of the Gospel. We are to be advocates of humanity, seekers of peace. Jesus said that “peacemakers are blessed and will be called the children of God.”

God loves life! The culture of death in which we live will deeply grieve those who share the heart of the Father. Murder came, the book of Genesis tells us, on the heels of envy when Cain killed his brother, Abel. Before that murder, we read the Lord’s call to Cain, one we need to hear anew. "Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:6-7, NIV) By the power of the Spirit, our hearts transformed by the Gospel of Christ, we can defeat the temptation to violence, first in ourselves, then in our culture.

God defeated evil not with an awesome display of angelic armies turned loose on wicked regimes but with the offering of His Son on the Cross. In the mystery of our salvation, we see Him breaking the power of Evil in submission to death and by completely identifying Himself with His creation. “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”  (Philippians 2) And in His sacrifice, He ended the reign of sin and death in our lives.

War comes, sometimes inevitably it seems. When it does, I hope we will weep with those who are crushed. I pray we will urge our government to be just and to use every means to end hostilities quickly for if we believe Jesus’ words, then we know that it is our neighbors who are suffering!

Jesus told a story about a man regarded as outcast, even enemy by the people of Jerusalem. His words, though simple, are compelling and I pray they will pierce us through the heart with Truth. May each of us ask again – “Who is my neighbor?” and hear the answer of Christ.

"But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:29-38, NIV)

Russell Moore urges us to remember that there are three traps into which we may fall in times of warfare.  He warns of bloodlust, when it starts to “feel good to feel that pulse of vengeance.”   He warns of sloth when “Americans will soon grow bored of hearing about this war and want to move on to other things.” And he warns of duplicity, claiming to believe one thing but cheering another.  (link to the full article here – ( https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/03/what-us-israel-iran-war-could-do-soul/ )

May God make us wise, fearless, and merciful, for Jesus’ sake.

__________________

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Chaotic or Providential?

When I woke up to the news that bombs were falling once again in the Middle East, I groaned, nearly weeping for millions who were now suffering under the pain of yet another war. “Lord, how can this be? Why do humans haul out weapons to settle disputes so readily? Have You taken leave of us, abandoning us to our own folly and self-will?”

My comments are not meant to be read either in support or condemnation of US policies. I’ll leave that to better minds who are, hopefully, more informed that I am. My musings focus on the question of God’s providence. What is His will? Can I be secure in my faith that His hand ultimately guides the affairs of this world and that He will keep me in His grace for this life and into the next?

Christians believe in the providential care of their Heavenly Father. The Bible teaches us that God is at work, often in ways that are unseen, that He is actively guiding and working in and through circumstances and history to fulfill His purposeful, loving, and sovereign will. Providence comes from a Latin word,  providentia, which means foresight. We believe that God is "seeing to" the universe, that He is directing natural events to accomplish supernatural goals often through ordinary means not miracles to fulfill His promises.

When we look at life only in a moment it often does appear to be a chaotic mess, events that toss us about in random ways, without meaning or purpose. We all ask ourselves, ‘why is this happening?’ from time to time. Even the most faith filled Christian will find himself at least occasionally wondering if God truly reigns! BUT, when we step back and take in the sweep of history, when we are willing to wait patiently and prayerfully in turbulent times we will see God at work.

The story of Joseph illustrates providential care. The young teen is tragically sold by jealous brothers into Egyptian slavery. During the next two decades he seems to go from one awful injustice to another. But the path leads him to the fulfillment of God’s providence and amazingly his faithfulness results in his becoming Prime Minister of Egypt. In that place he is positioned to be the savior of his family, a key figure in Israel’s history. When his treacherous brothers finally stood before him, he tells them – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50)

We are inspired by the promise of Romans 8 where we read – “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Providence is very different from fate. Providence is guided, the work of God. Fate (you could say ‘luck’) is blind trust in the unseen, a wish that ‘everything will eventually work out.’  I secure my heart and mind in the loving care of a purposeful Father!

Christians understand God’s providence as being both general and specific. In the former we understand that the Creator formed the natural order and the universe to provide such things that we need for life – sunshine, rain, growing plants for food, etc. The latter invites us to live with faith in His promise to provide for us as we pray and live in obedience where the Spirit is able to guide, protect, and deliver us. We see this in the ways that we avoid tragedy or find just what we need in the moment that all may seem lost.

Living in the providential care of our God does not mean that we are without responsibility for our choices. There is a tension found in the Bible holding seemingly irreconcilable facts as being true. One is that we are free to choose our way, even to the point of rejecting God. The another teaches us that God knows our days before even one comes into existence and that His will is greater than our choices.

Proverbs 16:9 says “In their hearts human beings plan their lives. But the Lord decides where their steps will take them.”   The intersection of Divine will and Human freedom is found in this description of Jesus’ path to the Cross. “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”  (Acts 2.23) The plan for the salvation of humanity was God’s own, yet it resulted from the schemes of jealous and evil men!

What I conclude, dear friends, is that life may appear to be chaotic at this moment. It may seem that evil triumphs as terrible things occur as a result of the choices of people who ignore or reject God’s ways. BUT faith invites me to trust Him to work through it all; the good, the bad, the ugly – to bring about His purposes.

Let us humble ourselves before Him.
Let us quiet our minds in meditation.
Let us admit to our finite abilities.
Let us secure ourselves in hope!

Here is a word from the Word. May it bring peace to our minds and purpose to our choices.

“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed,
 but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.”
(Psalm 37)

Lord, increase my faith! Amen.

__________________

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Minimal Participation, Maximum Loss

Ever look for a ‘loophole’ to avoid a rule? Loopholes allow people to circumvent the intent of the law. American tax codes are full of loopholes that allow some to avoid paying their full tax. Kids are famous for their ability to interpret Mom’s words with narrow application, keeping the letter of the law while missing the intent of it. They can then claim, “But I did what you said, Mom!”

Religious observance is sometimes practiced with this same kind of minimal participation that misses the point of full devotion. Jesus once said of some very religious people that they were scrupulous to give the required 10% of their income but missed the very point of generosity.  

So, where did this strange word come from?

The term "loophole" originated in the mid-15th century from medieval forts and castles. A loophole was a narrow, vertical slits in the wall through which archers could shoot at attackers and yet remain safe from returned arrows. The word came from Middle English loupe, a slit.

One day Jesus disciples were challenged by religious leaders for failure to practice the required ritual handwashing before eating. These men were ignoring their own glaring hypocrisies. Jesus answered them with a stinging critique- “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God? For instance, God says, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.’ In this way, you say they don’t need to honor their parents. And so you cancel the word of God for the sake of your own tradition.

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote,
 ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’”  (Matthew 15)

Have you ever done that with the Words of God? I am sure I have. Thinking I have found a loophole, I ignore the plain teaching of the Scripture, twisting the words of the text in a way that allows me to conveniently set aside my obedience. In the process, I rob myself of God’s best and fail to honor Him with my whole heart.

Jesus reserved His most harsh words for those who professed a love for God, using all the right words but who worked hard to find loopholes that allowed them to claim to be holy all the while doing exactly what they wanted to do. God wasn't buying the Pharisees' professions of devotions as authentic. In another text from the Gospel, we read this story.

"A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. "Which of the two obeyed his father?" They replied, "The first." Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do." (Matthew 21:28-31, NLT)

Cheap religion is all about making a good impression by singing the 'right' kind of songs, being in the church at the 'right' times or saying the 'right' kind of prayers -all unmatched by the right kind of heart!

No matter how we dress it up, God isn't impressed by our ‘lawyering’ of the Scripture. He desires true devotion that encompasses the totality of our lives, meeting not just the ‘letter of the Law’ but finding the spirit of His commandments.

When we honestly admit to our desire to do our own thing than to say we love Him while continuing to live for ourselves we become open to the work of the Holy Spirit Who begins to change us inside out.

Adopting a superficial holiness is a kind of vaccine that prevents us from feeling the effects of sin's sickness that drives us to desperately seek Him! Listen to the passion in the words of the Lord when He challenges a heart-less religion. "Frauds! Isaiah’s prophecy of you hit the bull’s-eye: These people make a big show of saying the right thing, but their heart isn’t in it." (Matthew 15:7-8, The Message)

Here at the beginning of Lent, I appeal to us all to be authentic. IF there are thoughts, desires, words, actions that are ‘less than’ the wholeness of God’s desire, confess it. If there are gaps between the claim to love God and reality, admit it – to yourself first, then to Him.

Let’s pray to know and walk in the full intent of God’s Word, not seeking loopholes, but pursuing wholehearted devotion. In this, we will find true JOY in the journey.

Here's a word from the Word on which to meditate today.

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
(James 2:14-18 New Living Translation)

__________________

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Goodbye, carrot cake!

Your life, like mine, tends to fill up with ‘stuff.’  Some of what we do is important; going to work, maintaining our home, caring for our health, serving others in Christ’s Name … and some is not; like scrolling through social media, for example. IF we hope to find the life for which we are created, we will need times of refocus, liking hitting the reset button!

Regular commitment to a day of worship and being ‘in church’ each week is one way that happens. Another is observing Church’s calendar. Tomorrow, we enter the 40-day season called Lent. It is a time of renewal that is intended to prepare us to celebrate the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, our Savior.

The neglected spiritual discipline of fasting is encouraged during this time of year.
Fasting is about abstaining from food, pleasure, comfort, entertainment.
We can fast by setting aside some pleasurable pursuit, time on social media, or some special food.
We can fast by generously giving away our time in selfless service.
It is a positive way to practice obedience subjecting our body to the Spirit in a way that allows us a renewed experience of His Presence!

God made us with a spirit-body connection!
What we do in our physical body influences our spiritual state- both positively and negatively. The Holy Word says "So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:26-27, NLT) A literal translation of the NT Greek would read “I pound my body into submission!” 

Careful here! God is not demanding ascetic self-denial that comes to self-abuse. There is a real spiritual maturity to be found in the reminder that life is more than food, clothes, or comfort.

Whatever our choice, fasting is not about proving anything to God.

Jesus taught us to practice spiritual disciplines like fasting, giving, and prayer without telling anyone. He said, "when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, who try to look pale and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I assure you, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will suspect you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in secret. And your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you." (Matthew 6:16-18 NLT) If we 'show off' with our ‘discipline’ it becomes nothing more than a means of making ourselves feel better, self-focused, the very thing of which we desire to be free.

Will you fast in some way this season of Lent? Perhaps you’ll give up your sugary desserts or your latte addiction. Goodbye, carrot cake!

Whatever your choice, keep the focus on humble worship. Personally, I think we might be better served by giving up some TV time for prayer, meditation or reading Scripture than giving up some incidental food item.

Are you serious about spiritual growth? Then, ask the Lord if you need to discipline your body to provide freedom for the Spirit, to allow for a reset.

Here’s a word from the Word about living in the Spirit. Think deeply and prayerfully on the promise of this passage. “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”  (Galatians 5)

Lent! May it be a season of renewal of joy and growth in the Spirit, for the glory of God.

__________________

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Love Day Tomorrow

I celebrated Valentine’s Day with abandon when my wife was still at my side. I spent a silly amount on Hallmark cards and overpriced roses throughout our 41 years of marriage. I would do it all again! I do not think that there is such a thing as 'too much' when it comes to celebrating love and marriage.

I remember one Valentine's card I bought (just for fun) that was the size of a framed picture! The picture of the rose printed on the front was frighteningly large, almost grotesque. When Bev opened it, she laughed - "What am I supposed to do with this?" Her reaction was priceless, momentarily her surprise overcame her general disposition to be kind in her words.

Valentine’s Day is important even though it is commercialized and trivialized because love must be nurtured. It is a foolish spouse who neglects tender words and gentle caresses because “we said our vows and nothing’s changed.”  Love that is assumed easily dies. To the men particularly I say this; those who are really 'in love' are never too sophisticated for Valentine's Day. Romance is not about careful calculation or sophistication. It is a heart thing!

Of course, there will be plenty of fake love spread around tomorrow. Cards, chocolate, and flowers will be purchased to make an impression, to manipulate, or to just meet expectations. The symbols must rest on the reality if they are to be meaningful. Without genuine affection and esteem in daily words and actions, the roses or cards can become an offense.

Real love is not often portrayed in our pop songs and movies. In 2026 love and sex are all tangled up, a ‘hook-up’ supposedly the same as an intimate commitment of mind and body. Do not get me wrong about that. Sexual attraction is a part of love. The Bible is quite clear about that. There is an entire book devoted to it in the Old Testament. (Song of Solomon.)

Paul tells Christian couples "Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again. . .." (1 Corinthians 7:5, NLT)

I’m sure you know that but I will say it anyway. Love is more than pleasure and intimacy. This passage is a call to the best kind of Valentine celebration. We are taught that "Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. .... For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love." (1 Corinthians 13:7-11, 13, CEV)

The card, those red roses are nice, but they can never replace selfless giving of one’s self and time. We must seek to know the other person deeply, to understand and accept them even when their ways and ideas are challenging. The love described above will survive long after the hormones that spark sexual passions have diminished with age. It gives a beauty that really is more than 'skin deep.'

A final thought – Love is not just for spouse, family, or friend.

Real love is the very essence of the nature of God. Think deeply about these inspired words – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  (1 John 4)

Jesus said that all the commandments are summed up in just two –
1. “Love God whole-heartedly.”
2. “Love others in the same way that you love yourself.”

Even if you are not romantically tied to anyone - celebrate love! Love, like Christ loved you! It will change your world; yes, that love will come back to change you!

Here is a word from the Word- “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the godless do that.” (Matthew 5:45-47)

Happy Valentine's Day.

__________________

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Just a speck in the universe?

Do you ever wake up in the morning and wonder if you matter if you really are more than just a passing speck of life in the universe? Sure, you are important to your family, perhaps to a small circle of friends, but are you truly valuable; do you matter?

We may not say it out loud, but we all tend to think about our worth. We look for value for ourselves in all kinds of things. Some seek physical attractiveness. Some accumulate wealth or symbols of it. Some pursue awards and titles. Some crave to be known. Yet we wonder – ‘do I matter?’  Age comes and beauty fades. Economies fail and wealth disappears. In time another takes our place.

Solomon, a king of Israel, enjoyed it all and yet in his old age he cynically wrote – “I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2)

There is a lasting way to find purpose and significance in this world, one that endures time and change, which cannot be stolen or erased. We need not become cynical with time and age if we know what God says about us and our value!

Jesus teaches us that God knows the smallest detail about you and me! He said – “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. And you are worth more than a whole flock of sparrows.” (Matthew 10)

The Psalmist says of God. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!”  (139)

Yes, we are known, valued, treasured, and made for His love, not just as a group, but each one of us individually.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, my favorite book of the Bible because of the truth of grace and purpose of which he writes, includes this passage. “God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2)

In spite of our failures and our frailties, He loves you and me and gifts us with life, valuing us as living examples of His “incredible wealth of grace and kindness.”  That’s something worth living for and truly a reason to know that we matter. We are part of the Divine Plan.

I was touched and inspired by the testimony of Jelly Roll, a country artist, at last week’s Grammy awards. He offered a powerful testimony crediting Jesus and his wife for saving him from an awful past of addiction, drug-dealing, and prison. "Jesus is for everybody," he said, asserting faith belongs to the broken, not just the polished. A life once worthless by all accounts was made new by faith and from that loving grace he found, a new value and way of living emerged!

When we accept the grace of God, by faith, we are both humbled and made noble in the same moment. We realize that our worth can never be attained by any effort we make and yet we know that we are “royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. … Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” (1 Peter 2)

Yes, our lives are short, and our earthly accomplishments are soon eclipsed. But, in Christ Jesus, we are of great worth – now and for eternity. Believe it, friend. This truth will change your life. It provides freedom from pride and fear, and it is a reason for joy.

I close with yet another amazing passage from God’s Word, our word for today. BE encouraged, called to higher purpose by the Truth. “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”  (1 John 3)

Believe it. Live it. Find new joy.

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This race we run.

Last night I watched the spectacle that opened the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and what a show it was: so well done and classy!  Hundreds of athletes walked and danced their way into the games, eager to compete, to show off their skill, and to pursue a medal.

As I watched a thought recurred in my mind. “This show is not really the heart of the Olympics. The real stuff has been happening on ski slopes and ice rinks for years. What these young athletes achieve now will be result of what they have done with discipline in preparation.” 

Nobody just parties their way to the international competition. 
They work … hard!

Our Christian life can take a lesson from them. IF we hope to know the best of what God has prepared, if we want to serve in the most effective way for Christ Jesus, if we desire to find the richest reward in eternity, we need to understand the importance of focus and discipline.  Paul was inspired by the athletes of his day and tells us - “Run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”  (1 Corinthians 9)

There is an important point to be made before we go on – we cannot earn God’s favor, nor is eternal life in Heaven the result of human effort. We are made children of God by faith and because of His grace – period. Jesus gave Himself for us, made peace with God on our behalf, and offers the gift of spiritual life to all who will receive Him.

However, the Christian life requires focus, purpose, choice, and discipline. Spiritual maturity does not just come with age or time. We grow into the fullness of the life of the Spirit by learning, practicing, and sacrificing.

In my early years I thought that being a good Christian would result from an experience found in some revival meeting or through some ecstatic moment in prayer. I lived on a spiritual roller coaster going from one emotional height to another with long dips in valleys of discouragement. I questioned why I could not seem to find the richness of Christ that I read about in stories of great Christians.

Then I found a book that changed my Christian life. Richard Foster wrote The Celebration of Discipline in 1978, outlining the daily choices we can make that open our minds and hearts to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.  He explained the value of meditation, study, solitude, simplicity, submission, service, and worship. These were not to be practiced incidentally or at my convenience. They were daily choices, like the regular training of an athlete. What a difference I found as I became purposeful in my Christian life, moving beyond a focus on my emotions.

I learned to serve, to love, to forgive, to remain steadfast in commitment through the ups and downs of daily life in this present age. No longer focused on myself, I looked to Christ and His Word for identity and for hope. When my race is over my true hope is not that others will say – “What a great guy Jerry was.” Rather, I pray that it will be said, “What a great God he served!”

The best reward will be hearing those words of my Savior – “Well done, faithful servant!”

Are you growing into spiritual maturity?
Are you serving with joy in a way that honors your spiritual gifts?
Are you loving extravagantly, as you are loved?

Remember, the aim is not perfection, it is growth. Let’s grow together.

Here is a word from the Word, my testimony. “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.”  (Philippians 3)

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“I gotta be perfect!”

In a conversation with a person about ‘going to Heaven’ he blurted out – “I gotta be perfect to get there and I know I’m not!”  He was both right and wrong in his conclusions. Yes, it true that our holy God has no tolerance for sin and no stain of sinfulness is allowed in His eternal city. But there is a perfection available to you and me that is not of our own making!

I am only too aware of my sins and failures. It is not a stretch for me to understand David’s lament. “I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict …Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.”  (Psalm 51)

This guilt is a universal condition in the human experience. Paul reminds us that "all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23)

So much for perfection, right? This being the truth how can we hope for a home in God’s eternal city? How can we even dream of eternal life?

Against the dark background of our failures stands the grace of God who acted to set us right with Him, removing our guilt, and gifting us with a holy perfection not of our making. “God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:24)

In Ephesians we read about the amazingly scandalous love of God for us in the opening lines and then in chapter 2, there is an abrupt change. This is the indictment- "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath." (Ephesians 2:3, NIV)

Then, he writes, "But God..." There is the Divine Exception which makes our hope of a home in Heaven (and a life in His Presence right here, right now) possible! "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. ... God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." --Ephesians 2:3-10 NLT

The Perfect God did not take the “Grandpa” route in dealing with our sins. We grandparents are ever so ready to ignore or excuse the failures of our grandchildren. We are not responsible for their training so we can just get on with loving them. God is our Father, not our Grandpa. He cannot look at our disobedient behavior and brush it off, overlook it, or excuse it.

But He can offer a sacrifice that forgives us, an atonement for our guilt debt, and the power of the Spirit that changes us from sinner to saint. That is exactly what He’s done for us in Christ Jesus.

When we begin to grasp the depth of His grace, accepting the gift of life, then love replaces fear. Assurance replaces uncertainty. We no longer hide from Him or pretend that we are better than we are. We need not live in denial of the truth about want we have done. Instead, we let Him lead us even through the tests and trials that perfect our faith. In this way He brings us to spiritual maturity. This ‘perfection’ thing is a process – a work of our Deliverer and the disciplines of the Spirit.

Do you want to be rid of the fear of eternity? Do you want to be free from shame? Honestly confess your sins and failures to God, then receive the Gift. The Word tells us we “no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.”  (Philippians 3)
From that starting point of faith, God leads us into a new kind of life, and we become in reality who He has declared us to be. Here is a word from the Word. May it guide us to hope today. "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  (Phil. 3:12-14)

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The Worst of Me

If I recall regrettable moments in my life almost always the controlling emotion in that moment was anger. I regret disciplining my children in anger rather than love. I regret allowing anger to invade my marriage and steal the joy in our home from time to time. I regret harsh words spoken friends when I become angry.

I love the wisdom of the late Dallas Willard who wrote - "There is nothing that can be done with anger that cannot be done better without it."  The Scripture says, “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26, NLT) 

Two things are emphasized - we must not lose rational control over anger, for then it flows into rage which is always destructive! And anger must have limits. We cannot just 'stay mad' for days on end because that kind of unresolved anger eats away at us - body and soul.

Anger is a lot like fire. A fire in the fireplace warms and comforts us. A fire that escapes its boundaries destroys quickly! When we feel the stirring of anger over injustice, cruelty, human suffering, and such matters we can use that emotion to move us to engagement and action, however we must do so, without sinning.

Godly people will become passionately angry when the weak are abused, when others are oppressed or robbed of their dignity. Actions that diminish God's honor or that potentially harm those He loves will cause His people to rise up with anger to take corrective anger-- and rightly so!

We love to point out Jesus’ actions in the Temple when he drove out the crooked merchants who were profiting from exploitation of the poor who were trying to fulfill their holy obligations. “Well, Jerry, Jesus tipped over their tables and chased them out of the Temple.” He did and we can see the value of overcoming apathy in His actions.

However, His was righteous anger. Is yours? It is an honest question. Are you angry about a personal slight or not getting your way OR are you truly angry on behalf of some good cause?

Remember James’ word, “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.”

When I feel anger, the better choice (one I do not always make) is to step back, to pray, and to reflect before speaking or acting. I try to face the fact that I am angry, then allow that emotion to take me to the Lord in prayer to pour out all my tumbling emotions.

When I choose that path, instead of regrettable things I find myself moved to deeper compassion, to greater love, to positive action.

How about you? Is life a mess for you, making you smolder with anger?
Does the state of the world make you angry?
Are the choices of those you love making you angry?

Do not just rage, blame, and threaten.

Take a prayer time-out! God will hear you with grace because He knows you inside out! As the stormy emotions find release in His Presence, there will be change in you. As the Lord’s love renews you, you will find a new foundation for your caring. In Him, you will find security so that you can respond with proactive desires to change things instead of destructive reactions.

Here is a word from the Word to think on today: "Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity." (Proverbs 14:29, The Message) Wow, that speaks to me. How about you?

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Finding the Guidance of the Scripture

“Do you sit in judgment on the Bible or does the Bible sit in judgment on you?” 
I do not remember who first asked that question or where I read it, but it is an extremely important one.

When I come across a passage of Scripture that seems to go counter to my preferences or even cultural conditioning, I am faced with two questions.

First, am I understanding what it says using the best understanding of the sacred text?
Proof-texting is an error commonly practiced by Christians. Finding one passage, without any context or real understanding, they declare they know the truth about … well, let us just say that the list is long. When we fail to understand that Scripture interprets Scripture, that different parts of the Bible are to be read with a different lens, or the context into which the text was first written, we may well go wide of the mark in our application, no matter how sincere we are.

That is why good study is important. Choosing those from whom you receive teaching is equally important. Ask this - Are they humble? Are they letting others help to guide their study?  Peter reminds us that “private interpretation” is not God’s way when he writes of the authority of the Word of God. “No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.” 

Second, I must confront the question about whose authority will prevail –
God’s or my own?

Christians may well be tempted to reject passages that seem ‘out of date,’ as if we are wiser than God. Better to be diligent in study, humble, and teachable. That is harder than it sounds, I promise you that.

I approach the sacred text with a high view of the Scripture, believing that in those pages we are given the inspired word of God.

Realize this – we can honestly admit when we find a hard passage - "I just don't get it." That is very different from outright rejection of a passage. There are truly some obscure and difficult passages but to ignore the beauty of the whole Holy Scripture-
the prayers and meditations of the Psalms,
the accounts of God's love and provision for His people,
the amazing revelations of the grace of God in Jesus Christ,
the guidelines for Christian community in the letters – is a tragedy!

On some pages I just honestly admit I do not understand the why, sometimes the what!
But I do understand, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NLT)

We are called to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NKJV) That includes the "huh?" passages that defy our full understanding as much as those that yield easily to our minds and that feed us with Truth. We must come to the Bible with humility. We cannot assume to be its judge. It judges us!

Yet, at the same time, I am not gullible, nor do I give up my mind to simplistic or emotional interpretation of the Scripture. Instead I study diligently, remain humbly teachable, and pray for the written Word to become the Living Word through the revelation of the Spirit.

If we would please God, we will remain submitted to the God who gave the Word to us. This is the Truth: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)

Are you a student of the whole Bible?
Do you read the words with reverence and love, praying for the Spirit to guide you into all Truth?
Life will be richer as we discover the heart and character of our Amazing Creator/Father.

Make this your prayer.
"How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise again: I will obey your wonderful laws."
(Psalm 119:103-106, NLT)

Here is a promise, a word from the Word. –
He “whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”  (Psalm 1)

Amen

__________________

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Are you building a reserve of MERCY?

“Lock’em up! Throw away the key!”  Ever heard that or said it?
How about this – “Well, he made his bed so let him lie in it!”
Or, this – “He’s just too stupid to matter.”

In a nation that talks about opportunity and freedom there is a fact that begs us to think about our policies. The U.S. has one of the world's highest incarceration rates, holding nearly 2 million people in jails and prisons, with rates around 540-600 per 100,000. For all the rhetoric about turning criminals loose on the streets, we sure to lock up a lot of people. Might we need to think about the roots of the problem?

Then, too, our political system is completely broken – without any desire to try to understand or converse. The ‘win’ is valued above all.  Christians are some of the worst offenders in this ‘game,’ quick to judge, captive of slogans and memes.

The wisdom of the Perfect Man asks those of us who are His followers to be radically different. We are to be known for quality love and filled with compassionate mercy.  Jesus says – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5)

What is mercy?

It shows another compassion or forgiveness when we have the upper hand, when we enjoy the power to punish!

Mercy goes beyond withholding judgment out of politeness as in thinking ‘what an idiot’ but not saying it aloud.
Mercy causes a person to consider the needs of the other, to actively pursue the best interest of one that may well justly deserve anger or rejection. 

Mercy is not to be confused with being naïve or incapable of facing reality like a grandmother who just cannot face up to the truth about her beloved grandson who constantly rebels and for whom she makes all kinds of excuses.

You might object to what I have said responding - “But, Jerry, I love justice! I want the score settled, bad guys put in their place.”  Funny thing about justice. WE all want it for other guys, but when we’re jammed up, we want mercy.

Mercy asks us to consider the possibility of redemption or change. We get angry when someone is unkind, or selfish, or hurtful and we want them to pay … except that our God calls us to be different.  The ancient preacher was inspired by the Spirit to teach us the way to please God.  Listen to his words. “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.” (Micah 6)

The mercy to which God calls us is modeled after His own.
He knows us inside out, seeing our core motives, knowing even our ‘secret’ sins and He holds out hope and renewal.
"Where is another God like you, who pardons the sins of the survivors among his people? You cannot stay angry with your people forever, because You delight in showing mercy. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!" (Micah 7:18-19, NLT)

When we keep a careful record of every slight, every hurt, and press for ‘justice’ (think revenge) and refuse to be merciful – we become captives of anger, and we become sour and cynical. No wonder Jesus tells us mercy is a choice that leads to ‘blessedness.’

I am captured by the full impact of Jesus’ words that remind us that WHEN we show mercy, we are banking a reserve of mercy for that inevitable moment when we will desire it.

Listen to your words, inventory your thoughts.
Are they harsh?
Are you a critic?
Do you blame and judge frequently?

Our word from the Word calls us, in the Spirit, to a new way.
"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, “I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,” says the Lord.

Instead, do what the Scriptures say: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you.” Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good." (Romans 12:17-21, NLT)   

Father, help us! It’s hard to let You judge, to release those who hurt us from our condemnation. Teach us to be merciful. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Offer Admiration!

When someone catches you doing something right or good and expresses their appreciation or admiration, how do you feel?  Great, right?  Being valued enriches life. So, let me ask you – are you mostly a critic or an admirer?  Don’t read me wrong today. I am not suggesting that we set aside the pursuit of excellence. I am not advocating insincere flattery or mere positivity! I am encouraging genuine love for others that learns to value them for who they are, that takes note of effort and passion as well as accomplishments.

In a recent essay, Elizabeth Corey wrote – “When we admire, we are freed from thoughts of ourselves. The better we are at admiring, the less our egos intrude. And the more we know about the world, the more we find to admire. We can then look with pleasure not only on natural and human beauty, but also on more complex things, such as painting, poetry, philosophy, even moral ­conduct. The excellence of particular human beings is often the most affecting beauty of all.”

Pride is a terrible hindrance to the expression of admiration. When a person believes himself to be so much better at what he does than another, from that lofty place of selfishness, he will criticize the other. His first thought will be comparison, not appreciation.

Right alongside pride is real giftedness or great skill. Being ‘the best’ can keep us from expressing admiration for the effort of those less able. Their simple errors will be noted and their work likely overlooked at best or worse, spoken of negatively.

Christians are called to humility!  Inspired by the Spirit, Paul tells us “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”  (Philippians 2) Real humility will turn us into encouragers who learn to admire. The net effect will be to call an even better effort from others as we let them know we care for them.

Constant criticism sucks life out of us, doesn’t it?  Honest appreciation builds up.

Christians are called to love!  Nothing new there but is our love connected to the ordinary situations of life? It is loving to tell another – “I admire the way you do what you do.”  A well-known passage from Proverbs 31 includes the words of admiration from a loving husband for his faithful wife - “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Christians are called to worship!  At the heart of a life that admires and appreciates is worship for the One who is worthy of our praise.   Worship turns our hearts toward God’s character and works.  We speak of our praise. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3) We choose to enter His Presence “…to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

A person who stops demanding things of God, who sets aside the need for reasons and answers, who sees the Lord in His true beauty – learns to worship in Spirit and truth. From that worship of God, we gain the ability to admire the beauty around us in the world and in those with whom we live.

The Word teaches us to
“Give to the Lord the glory He deserves!
Bring your offering and come into His courts.
Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor.”  (Psalm 96)

Yes, let’s teach ourselves to admire, to take note of the little ‘beauties’ that are all around us.  Yesterday’s snow here in NJ was a great inconvenience to many, but throughout the day I could not help but notice the wonder that filled my world, the snow-covered branches that gleamed in bright sunshine. That admiration lifted my heart to joy!

The author previously quoted says – “In America we’re told that independence, self-sufficiency, and dogged hard work are among the greatest virtues. I would much prefer to throw in my lot with the admirers. Openness to the beauty of the world, and to the people around me, means that I can be receptive to the unmerited grace that may sometimes, surprisingly, appear. When it does, it is a great blessing—something not to be missed.” How true!

Here is a word from the Word. Begin with worshipping the Lord and then go find the admirable in your world.
“One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock.”  (Psalm 27)

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Is Yours a BIG Heart?

The CBS News program airs a segment every Friday called “On The Road.”  Steve Hartman tells stories that move us with their reminder of our shared humanity. Last week’s story was about Mo Riles from South Bend, IN who drove a badly damaged pickup truck around town, the butt of jokes and memes on social media until one man changed the story!   

Colin Crowel contacted Riles and found out it was the only transportation the man had and he couldn’t afford anything else, so this compassionate man started a crowd-funding effort that ultimately raised $22,000 from Riles town to buy him a better car! (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/his-mangled-truck-became-a-local-spectacle-then-a-stranger-changed-everything/)

Christian, is your heart a BIG one, full to over-flowing with God’s love so that you spill caring and love onto others wherever you go?

In spite of stories like the one that started this CoffeeBreak there is a HUGE compassion deficit in the world today. We can disappear behind the walls of our homes and forget about those who are in need. We can depersonalize those who are ‘different’ from us in one way or another and blame them for society’s ills. But that is not God’s way.

Bible includes a little personal letter that Paul wrote on behalf of a runaway slave, Onesimus, to his former owner, Philemon. Philemon had become a Christian as result of Paul’s ministry in Colossae.  The apostle had moved on and was a prisoner in Rome when somehow the runaway slave found him and became a convert, too!

It was time to make things right, so Onesimus is going to go back to Philemon’s household. The choice is not an easy one. Punishment for runaways was generally severe. So, Paul intercedes, asking for mercy.

“I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do. But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus. I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.”  (Philemon)

History does not give us any hint of how things turned out, but I believe that the very fact that Paul’s personal letter is part of our Bible is that the appeal to mercy over justice was heeded and became a model for relationships within the Church of Jesus.

Do you find yourself a critic of others?
Are you quick to condemn that one who has failed in some way?
Do you judge (perhaps secretly) those who struggle with life as weak or inferior in some way?

The Way of Jesus is to be radically different.

John asks us plainly – “If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?”  (1 John 4) 

This love to which we are called is not easy nor natural. It requires sacrifice of us for it modeled on the love of Jesus who ‘demonstrates His love for us in this – that He for us while we were still sinners.’  (Romans 5) Even when we were going our own way, serving our own desires, He loved us and gave Himself to restore us to our Creator Father.

This love to which we are called is supernatural, Spirit-fed and flows from the inside out.  John says “We love each other because he loved us first.”  (1 John 4) In faith, contemplate the Cross of Christ. Face your own failures and broken places without excuse and then let the whisper of the Spirit remind you that you are forgiven, loved, and a ‘becomer’ who is being made over into the beauty of Christ Jesus.

Religion alone will not cause us to love radically.
Mere human compassion is not sufficient to overcome our pride and prejudice.

But God’s love for us can; yes, it will- make us into those who love deeply, give generously of ourselves, as we become known as ‘children of God.’

One of the great truths that transforms is this – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”  (1 John 3) That love, when truly experienced, will make us great-hearted people of compassion.

The word from the Word is a challenge to us who live in a very polarized, hate-filled environment. May the Spirit make these living Words for us today.

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3)

Let God love you to life, then let Him use YOU to love others in the same way.

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Video of this blog

https://www.youtube.com/@JerScott55