“Clothe yourselves with ... kindness.”

A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself trouble. (Proverbs 11:17)

~~———————~~

Splendid reception, rich and noble guests — such feasts the Lord does not always approve of. (See Luke 14:12-14.)

He knows what often motivates the rich to invite their neighbors: the hope that they should be invited back, a selfish and squalid motive.

The greedy never invite to partake of their dinner those who would not be able to return the favor; but the generous often called in the poor and suffering, or sent portions to their houses.

Job appealed to God, saying, “Have I been stingy with my food and refused to share it with orphans?” (Job 31:17)

And Nehemiah on a day of celebration said to the people of Israel, “You may go now; refresh yourselves with rich food and sweet drinks, and send a share to all who cannot provide for themselves.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

“Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with ... kindness...” (Colossians 3:12).

Yes, you may find other ways of giving relief and pleasure to the poor aside from giving feasts to them. It is the attitude of kindness which ought to be followed, though the means may vary.

Comments

What are we doing about Christ?

Note: Read the full story of the healing of the man born blind in John 9 . ——————— Jesus asked the man born blind whom He had healed, “Do you believe on the Son of God?” The poor man answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him?” Ignorance was the only thing that kept this man from believing. The Lord immediately took it away by saying, “You have both seen Him, and it is He who talks with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him. We are not in his state of ignorance. None of us can say, “Who is the Son of God, that we might believe on Him?” We heard since childhood that JESUS was the Son of God. Though we have not seen Him, and though He has not talked with us, yet we know that He died for us, and that He is always living to plead on our behalf, if we come to God in His name. The poor man did not know so much as this, when he said, “Lord, I believe.” Yet how hard-hearted and ungrateful we should deem him, if he had not believed in the One who had done...

God always lived

Jesus said, ‘In very truth I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am.’ ( John 8:58 NEB'70 ) ——————— The expression “I am,” gives the idea of an existence which had no beginning, and will have no end. Such is God's existence. He is the first and the last. He always lived. We, in our finite minds, can never grasp this. However, we can rejoice in the thought that before we were even born God already existed. Among other things, this would mean that no plans could be formed against us, before He had arranged everything concerning us! “Known to God are all His works since the beginning of the world.” ( Acts 15:18 )

Are you prepared to meet the Lord?

Are you living your life today in a way you would wish you had lived, if tomorrow you were to find yourself dying? Is there any sin you are practicing, which you should immediately forsake if you knew this day was your last? Where is the man who can sincerely say that this day may not be his last? With some people this day is the last day; with many more this week is the last week; with thousands this is the last month; with millions the last year. Are you prepared to meet the Lord? If not, why don't you prepare immediately? There is a fountain opened to cleanse all sin, in which everyone may immediately wash. Yet how many have never washed in it! If Christ were to come now, He would find them still in their sins. Do not say, “He will not come yet.” Remember, it is very dangerous to even think, “My master won't be back for a while.” (See Luke 12:45-46 .)

Bear Vent

Search This Blog