2020-11-09
Luke 6:35 NLT
In Luke 6, Jesus gives us a command: ‘To you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you…If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!… Love your enemies! Do good to them…and you will be truly acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate’ (v.27-36 NLT).
Later, we see Jesus put this command into action in the most powerful way. As He was dying on the cross, exhausted, humiliated, and in excruciating pain, He prayed for everyone who had put Him there: ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34 NLT). In the midst of His unimaginable suffering, He stayed faithful to God’s will, loving His enemies, doing good to those who hated Him, and praying for those who had hurt Him. We need to remember His model of forgiveness and work towards being as forgiving when someone wrongs us. (We also need to remember that if someone has harmed us or put us in danger, it’s important that we seek help.)
Forgiveness is a process, and it probably won’t come naturally to us at first. How often have we held a grudge or got irritated when someone didn’t hold a door open for us, or used our favourite mug, or sat in ‘our’ place at church? Let’s start the process by meeting these minor irritations with forgiveness, and work our way towards a heart like Christ’s.
1 Chr 6:1-7:19; John 9:13-23; Ps 115; Prov 25:23-25
2020-11-08
Proverbs 25:17 NLT
One of the important parts of life as a Christian is being part of a community and enjoying the companionship of others. In Hebrews 10, we read: ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another’ (v.24-25 NIVUK). We need fellowship with others to inspire us and remind us that we’re all part of God’s kingdom.
It’s also important for us to spend time with someone when they need comfort or encouragement. But there are also times when we need to give people space. This can be something we forget, especially if we’re people who prefer company, or if we’re having a great time with someone. Proverbs 25:17 says: ‘Don’t visit your neighbours too often, or you will wear out your welcome.’ Even when we enjoy someone’s company, we should be mindful that we’re not demanding too much of their time. And sometimes people just need to be alone with God.
Luke 5:16 tells us that ‘Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed’ (NIV). Jesus often took time to get away from everyone and the demands of His ministry to rest in God’s presence.
It can be especially difficult to leave someone alone when they’re upset or worried, but there’ll be moments when people need our company, and moments when they need God’s. We need to try and be sensitive to the needs of others, and discern when they need space. And let’s not neglect our own space – however much we love company, we also need solitary time ourselves.
Matt 6:16-18; Isa 58:1-11; Luke 4:1-13
Spreuke 25:17 NLV
Soms trap ons as Christene in die strik om eksklusief op die groot dinge soos wêreldevangelisme, geestelike gawes en die tweede koms van Christus, te fokus. Gevolglik skeep ons die klein dingetjies, soos goeie maniere, af. Die Bybel praat egter van goeie maniere – en as dit daar is, is dit belangrik! Iemand het geskerts: ‘Vis en geselskap stink na drie dae.’ Dit mag dalk verduidelik hoekom Salomo gesê het: ‘Moenie te veel by jou buurman gaan kuier dat hy te veel van jou sien en weersin in jou kry nie.’
Wanneer jou gasheer vir die tiende keer gaap, vir sy vrou kyk en sê: ‘Skat, kom ons gaan klim in die bed sodat hierdie gawe mense by die huis kan kom,’ moet jy weet dat jy te lank gekuier het. ‘Almal weet dit tog!’ sê jy. Nee, hulle doen nie, dis hoekom God dit in sy Woord aanspreek.
Hier is tien reëls om ‘n goeie gas te wees: 1) Wees bedag op die ander persoon se tyd. 2) Moenie iemand onderbreek terwyl hulle praat nie. 3) Moenie die gesprek domineer nie. 4) Moenie te vroeg opdaag of te laat bly nie. 5) Maak tye vas om besoek af te lê. 6) Wees hoflk en simpatiek, sonder om neerbuigend te wees. 7) Wees eerlik oor die tydsbeperkinge van jou besoek en maak seker dat dit by ander mense se skedules pas. 8) Help jou gasheer of gasvrou om na die ete op te ruim. 9) Neem jou gasheer en gasvrou vir ten minste een ete uit, as jy langer as ‘n dag by hulle kuier. 10) Stuur ‘n nota of epos om dankie te sê vir die gawe van hulle tyd en hulle goedgunstighed.
As jy vriende wil maak en hulle wil behou – moet jy hierdie reëls nakom.
Sielskos: Matt 6:16-18; Jes 58:1-11; Luk 4:1-13
Proverbs 25:17 NLT
Sometimes as Christians, we fall into the trap of focusing exclusively on big stuff like world evangelism, spiritual gifts, and the second coming of Christ. As a result, we end up neglecting the seemingly small things like common courtesy. But the Bible speaks about courtesy – and if it’s in there, it’s important! Someone quipped, “Fish and company stink after three days.” This may explain why Solomon said, “Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.” When your host yawns for the tenth time, looks at his wife and says, “Well, darling, let’s go to bed so these nice folks can go home,” you know you’ve outworn your welcome. “Surely everybody knows that!” you say. No, they don’t; that’s why God addresses it in His Word.
Here are ten rules for being a good guest: (1) Be considerate of the other person’s time. (2) Don’t interrupt when someone else is talking. (3) Don’t dominate the conversation. (4) Don’t arrive too early or stay too late. (5) Set appointed times for visits. (Even good friends like advance notice). (6) Be courteous and congenial without being patronizing. (7) Be honest about time limits for your visits, and make sure it coincides with other people’s schedules. (8) Help your host or hostess clean up after the meal. (9) For visits lasting more than a day, take your hosts out to eat at least one meal. (10) Send a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation for the gift of their time and kindness. If you want to make friends and keep them – abide by these rules.
Soul food: Matt 6:16-18; Isa 58:1-11; Luke 4:1-13
2020-11-07
Proverbs 17:22 MSG
Author Barbara Johnson said, “Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t permanently solve the problem, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.”
One day, comedian/author David Brenner was signing books. A young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be signed and said, “I want to thank you for saving my life.” Without giving it much thought, Brenner replied flippantly, “That’s okay.” But the young man stood his ground and said, “No, I really mean it!” Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The young man continued: “My father died. He was my best friend. I loved him and couldn’t stop crying for weeks, so I decided to take my own life. The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the television on and you were hosting The Tonight Show. I listened to your opening monologue, and the next thing I knew I was laughing hysterically. I realized then that if I was able to laugh, I was able to live. So I want to thank you for saving my life.”Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook his hand and said, “No, I thank you.”
The Bible says, “A cheerful disposition is good for your health.” Experts confirm that laughter boosts your immune system, enhances your memory and learning abilities, relieves tension, slows your pulse rate and blood pressure, releases endorphins that reduce pain, decreases anxiety and stress, puts people at ease, and brings unity. Furthermore, the effect lasts for eight to twelve hours. It promotes emotional healing, and best of all – it’s fun. That’s why laughter is God’s prescription for stress!
Soul food: 1 Chr 3-5; John 9:1-12; Ps 15; Prov 25:21-22
