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No matter the trials, the struggles or the setbacks that come our way, we
should always hold love as the centerpiece of our lives. No matter what
we may be going through at any given time, we should have a childlike
faith in our fellow man believing for the best in them. When we look past
our preconceived notions and truly see the value and worth in those around
us, we can begin to see for ourselves and understand how love covers a
multitude of sins. The Bible declares in James 5:19-20 “Brethren, if
anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let
him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a
soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” We must be our brother's
keeper and believe in them when they don't believe in themselves. When we
take the initiative and show our care and concern for those who can't
stand upright by themselves, we are sowing into their lives seeds of hope
for a better and brighter future.
In this day and age where everyone is always looking out for their own
best interest, let us set ourselves apart and be the ones who look for the
best in others without motive and without judgment. The Bible tells us in
Galatians 6:1-2 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who
are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so
fulfill the law of Christ.” Many times we start off right by having
compassion, mercy, forgiveness and unwavering love towards others, but
over time we either become jaded, worn-out or unwilling to be helping
anymore. What we must realize is that we are all connected in this world
and what we do for others in their time of need, God will make happen for
us in our time of need.
The seeds of love that we sow into the lives of others will help them in
this present time, but it will also help us where our future is concerned.
Whatever we do in love will never be in vain. Remember, your good works
will be seeds planted in good soil and the harvest will be beneficial both
to the recipient and to yourself.
I hope this message encourages and inspires your heart to see the good in
others even when they can't see it in themselves. Be that beacon of hope
and love that all will be drawn to when they need to be lifted up.
A SHORT WALK
When I was a boy my family and I lived in my Grandma’s old house by the
woods. Along one side of it ran a river that separated us from the main
road. The only way over the water was across an old, wooden, swinging
bridge. Along the other side of it ran a set of railroad tracks. My Dad
had taught me early on to always listen for the sound of the coming trains
and to get off the tracks fast when I did. They only ran by the house a
few times a day, however, so the rest of the time I could walk along the
quiet, deserted tracks as much as I wanted.
I was surprised one day then to find another person walking down the
tracks as well. He was a tall man dressed in orange coveralls. He had a
bright smile and a cheerful way about him. I ran right over and started
talking to him. I don’t remember what we talked about, but I will never
forget how nice he was and how happy he seemed to talk to a boy only 5
years old. Our meeting lasted only a few minutes before I headed back to
my home and he continued on his way. About an hour later I was startled to
see two state policemen come running across the swinging bridge to our
house. Their serious expressions, uniforms, and guns scared me far more
than the gentle traveler had. He was the one they were after, though. It
appeared my short walk had been with an escaped prisoner. It was hard to
believe because he had been so kind.
Somewhere along the rest of my walk down life’s tracks I lost that
childhood wisdom. I learned to judge people by the prison clothes they
wore and not by the smiles on their faces. I learned to stereotype and to
hate and it has taken me a long time to unlearn it again and find my way
back to love. I still haven’t quite made it back to that boy’s goodness
and trust, but I am working on it. I heard that the police later recaptured
the kindhearted prisoner and fellow Child of God who brightened my day
back then. Where ever he is today, I wish him only love and joy.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 12:35-37 Jesus declares “A good man out of the good treasure of
the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil
treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle
word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of
Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou
shalt be condemned.”
Philippians 2:2-3 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the
same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better
than themselves.”
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against
you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:
therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou
mayest love the LORD Thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and
that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is thy life, and the length of
thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy
fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: LOVE IN THE HOME
Click here to read --- http://www.godswork.org/inpoem143.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: I ALMOST DIED IN SIN
Click here to read --- http://www.godswork.org/testimony185.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
