Romans 13:8-10 Abide in Love

Romans 13:8-10 NIV
Love does no harm. So, then why are so many relationships in trouble?

I would submit that for the most part human beings simply have a difficult time loving others as they love themselves. The ego takes over and we put ourselves before others; before God. What we want is what we will have no matter who it hurts.

But, if we turn and abide in Christ and He in us then Christ' love; his light, will shine through us and relationships will be restored. Christ's love is love that does not harm others. It reconciles rather than divides.

May the love of Christ abide in and through us, now and forever. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Mark 12:41-44 - Widow's Mite

Mark 12:41-44 NIV
Jesus sat and watched the crowd put their offerings into the temple treasury. That's something to think about. Since, he's with us always; he's always watching. He is there when I choose what I want or what my family wants (not needs) over service to him. I'm thinking I preach about stewardship so often because deep down I know that I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to withholding offerings that would/could/should go to serve the poor. Not, that I don't give. I tithe. But, in comparison to most of the world I am quite comfortable. I lack nothing that I need.

Something to think about: Jesus commends the poor widow for, out of her poverty, she put in everything she had to live on for the service of God. May God help us to be more generous in our giving so that the hungry might be fed with the Word that nourishes the soul and food that nourishes the body.

God's Peace - Pr. J