The last time I checked, there were two biggies that God wanted us to remember. Love God, love people. It's that simple! Yup- check it out:
Matthew 22:37-40 says, Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Does the law (10 commandments) help us to know what sin is? Yes! But since Christ came, we aren't subjected to the law (see Romans 7), which makes me wonder why we spend so much time judging, hating, ignoring, yelling at, and blaming people around us?
This may be a Sunday school answer, but I have to remind myself this- God never gave me the job to judge anyone. I can notice their choices, and I can make my own choices based on my beliefs, but God never gave me the job of judging others or making people feel less than because of their beliefs. What he did ask me to do was to love: love Him, love others.
What would happen if we truly loved everyone regardless of belief, age, race, gender, status, etc.? What would happen if we loved those who disagreed with us? What would happen if we loved strangers who we come in contact with in little ways throughout the day? Our neighbors? Our family? Our in-laws?
I am convinced the world would be transformed, renewed, refreshed! It could happen today! It isn't something that we have to wait for! We all know the old hymn- "let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me." Well, it really can begin with us by choosing love. By choosing to see beyond our own perspective- beyond our own situation and problems.
At Christmastime it seems only appropriate to let the joy and peace of this season flourish in our hearts, and let it transform our lives far beyond Christmas day. We are celebrating the GOOD NEWS! The Gospel of Jesus Christ- that because of Him, the one our world had been waiting for, we are reconciled with God. I hope this good news resonates in your heart, and that you shout from the tallest rooftops the love you have to offer because you know the creator of love. When you know love, it's a gift to share with everyone and it's FREE! Who would have thought that the best gift is free. Love wins, so love BIG!
I would love to know what you are doing to show love to others. Please respond to this post with ideas and ways you were able to love people throughout your day. It will encourage everyone, including me!
Love to you,
Anna
Well, I will get the ball rolling, you shy-bies! Noah and I picked out a Compassion International child this weekend who is about his age. We are so excited to be able to bless a child!
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