Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Forgiving Love
Matthew
5:43-48
Daniel Thomas
Orlando MTC., Orlando,
FL
44 But I say to you, Love
your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
We live in a world in which the words like hatred, violence, selfishness, deceit, etc. have taken the place of the old values such as love, care, compassion, concern, tolerance, and so on. But all is not lost. Occasionally in the newspaper or in the media we read about some Good Samaritan who risked their own life while attempting to rescue a fellow human being. Such acts of kindness and concern toward others, who are caught up in trouble, are seldom and few and far between.
We live in a world in which the words like hatred, violence, selfishness, deceit, etc. have taken the place of the old values such as love, care, compassion, concern, tolerance, and so on. But all is not lost. Occasionally in the newspaper or in the media we read about some Good Samaritan who risked their own life while attempting to rescue a fellow human being. Such acts of kindness and concern toward others, who are caught up in trouble, are seldom and few and far between.
In
the context of the ongoing violence throughout the world, the teachings of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and especially the verse above,
becomes very meaningful and valuable. It is the responsibility of each
one of us to let the world know His teachings through our words and actions.
It is only when we imitate Christ in our life that we become authentic
believers (Phil. 2:1-5). While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote to
the believers in the city of Philippi that "whatever happens conduct
yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil. 1:27).
The Gospel is a message of pure love, willing sacrifice, redemptive suffering,
and the gracious offer of salvation. It is the visible expression of
Christ's heart and that is what we are expected to imitate as a true follower of
Christ.
While
on a visit to London, a person during his conversation with Sadhu Sunder Singh
was asked to explain about the love and attitude of Jesus Christ. He
explained in this way: when naughty children throw stones at a mango tree
that are full of ripe and colorful mangoes, the tree in turn does not react
with anger, vengeance, or retaliation. What does it do? It
reacts with love and compassion, and drops off sweet and delicious
mangoes. This is the attitude of Jesus, our Savior. He demands
His followers to do likewise.
As the God-Man hung above those who crucified Him, He prayed for
them and loved them with the kind of love that could have healed them on the
spot! "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are
doing" (Luke 23:34).
PRAYER
Gracious
Father, thank You for Your sacrificial love for us. Help us to reveal
Your love to others through our selfless life. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others, or their
feelings, or even their little weaknesses; if I am careless about their little
hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way, then I know nothing of
Calvary’s love." Amy Carmichael