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- Apr 25, 2006
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Faithful friend (4)
'...though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor ...' 2 Corinthians 8:9
It's official; your best friend must have 'Philistine' stamped on their passport. For days we've been banging on about them becoming a Christian. You've tried humming 'Light of the World' in their faces, you've planted copies of Mike Pilavachi's new book in their school satchel, hey, you've even bought them front row tickets to Alpha: The Musical. And yet no joy.
Heck, if it continues like this, you might just have to show them God's love yourself. Now there's an idea. Your life being a light to point your friends to Jesus, I mean. 'Here is a simple, rule of thumb guide for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Add up God's law and prophets and this is what you get' (Matthew 7:12 TM). When we behave like this, our thoughts and actions shift away from ourselves (which is self-centred) and shift towards others (which expresses love and concern). But wait a minute; this is going to cost, right? Giving always costs. Whether you're giving time, a shoulder to cry on, or a lump sum of cash in a Swiss bank account, it always costs. Yep, love and compassion cost us; but that's Jesus' way. Out of love and compassion for you Jesus gave up his heavenly high position to come to earth. Are you willing to give an inch of yourself out of love and compassion?
written by Bob Gass
'...though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor ...' 2 Corinthians 8:9
It's official; your best friend must have 'Philistine' stamped on their passport. For days we've been banging on about them becoming a Christian. You've tried humming 'Light of the World' in their faces, you've planted copies of Mike Pilavachi's new book in their school satchel, hey, you've even bought them front row tickets to Alpha: The Musical. And yet no joy.
Heck, if it continues like this, you might just have to show them God's love yourself. Now there's an idea. Your life being a light to point your friends to Jesus, I mean. 'Here is a simple, rule of thumb guide for behaviour: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Add up God's law and prophets and this is what you get' (Matthew 7:12 TM). When we behave like this, our thoughts and actions shift away from ourselves (which is self-centred) and shift towards others (which expresses love and concern). But wait a minute; this is going to cost, right? Giving always costs. Whether you're giving time, a shoulder to cry on, or a lump sum of cash in a Swiss bank account, it always costs. Yep, love and compassion cost us; but that's Jesus' way. Out of love and compassion for you Jesus gave up his heavenly high position to come to earth. Are you willing to give an inch of yourself out of love and compassion?
written by Bob Gass
