Monday 11 August 2008

Sharing the Love

Have you heard the expression, "If you're not with the one you love, love the one you're with?" Now, in its original context, it's off base and wrong. In the context of God's love, it actually makes redeeming sense.

We should be sharing the love of God with those we are with. As we plan to win the world for Jesus, we can often overlook our closest neighbours. The preacher cannot step over her or his family to reach the congregation. it doesn't make sense.

Right where you are today, reach out to the closest person in the love of Christ. The person will be glad you did.

Acts 1:8 (MSG)
8 What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

When you share the love, don't forget to mention the less pleasant side. After all, it's dishonest to only present a partial truth.

Remember to tell them that God may send people to a state of eternal suffering.

Believe, or else.

Anonymous said...

David, sometimes we have to show people the way, before we can lead them that way. It is because we do not want people sent to a state of eternal suffering, that they need to see God's love in us.

jeff said...

David, you would benefit from reading the book The Shack by William P. Young. Really.

Anonymous said...

When people recommend books, I usually look for reviews before committing to read the book.

Here is one such review, that would suggest "The Shack" by William P. Young is not worth reading:

http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-young.php

jeff said...

I will read the page you suggest. I appreciate the link.

I'm not gaga over the book like so many are. But it was given to me and I've read it critically. Reasons for criticism are I think its a bit over zealous to apply ideas to God and Jesus and the holy spirit as it does. And I've always felt a bit like a heretic myself with some of these same ideas about God and the church. But still, the ideas need to be considered. You seem to be preoccupied with the negative aspects of Christianity, I thought the book may be somewhat refreshing to you. It is curious that you wont read the book based on other peoples reviews. Better to make up your own mind about things, don't you think? Why consider a review and not the book? Need to read both I think.

It seems something has you somewhat trapped in old testament expressions of wrath for want of a better way to say what I cant yet seem to put my finger on. It could be nothing more than misinterpretation or perception. I believe that someday you will find the truth of the love of God for his peeps. People that seek as diligently as you for the truth usually arrive there.

jeff said...

david, one last thing,

and as I near the end of the book, 10 pages to go, I'm less critical of it. And more thinking its a book you should consider reading.

forgiveness becomes the point and the thing I couldn't quite put my finger on...

Anonymous said...

Commiss,
Missing your thoughts and words of wisdom each day. I pray all is OK with you.

Jim Knaggs said...

Thanks Jeff, for engaging David. He's am honest seeker.

Thank you too Anon. My connections have been limited in these days. I'll try to do better.