END IT Movement :: Millions Have Heard

Loving Unconditionally

     Luke 10:25-37 is an incredible passage, with much to be gleaned from it. I have read the text, been told the story, and heard commentary on it more times than I can count. If you are unfamiliar with the story of the Good Samaritan, it is one that you should become acquainted with. It is my opinion that Luke was trying to impress the vast importance of loving others. I believe that we are called to love others regardless of anything. Yesterday in church, Pastor Kyle Pierpont presented it in a new perspective for me. 

     We are nearest to the heart of God when we love people. The Bible is packed full of stories, songs, and proverbs that show how much God loves His creation and more specifically mankind. Obviously, the most explicit example of this is shown through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. I am not a father, so I can't begin to imagine what it must look like to give my one and only child to be mocked, ridiculed, tortured, and killed, all in a great act of love to redeem our sins, sins which were acts of defiance towards God. If we loved God and people perfectly, there would be no need for laws. Every one of the ten commandments given to Moses, were laws that essentially were meant to keep our love of people and God sacred. I say all of this in order to lead up to the main point: "Don't worry about who to love; just love." 

     A wise man once said, "Treat everyone like they are hurting, and you will be right 99% of the time." 

     Just love people like God would love them. Just like God loves you.

Joy

As I look through this world, I often find that no matter people physically own, there is a joy that is lacking. I don't claim to have all of the answers, but I think that I have found one of the best ways to have joy. This week, I have had the opportunity to be involved with Group's Week of Hope. It has been an incredible experience and I have had the chance to serve multiple people. While the work itself might not be the most entertaining think on the face of the earth, the joy that follows is very cool. Serving is a good chance to bring joy into the lives of others and it can be very rewarding as well. After all, life is about relationships, and what better way to build those, than to serve others.

Jeremiah 29:11-14a

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 


Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 


You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.


I will be found by you,” declares the Lord...




When Jeremiah uttered these words, he was reminding the people of Judah about a key principle behind God's dealings with his people in any era. It is a principle still very much at work today: God wants to bless us, not harm us. Whatever the circumstances of your life, whatever important and life-changing decisions face you, remember that God is in control of your future. He knows the plans he has for you, and they are for your good. When you come to the crossroads and you have your heart set on turning right, he may want you to turn left instead. You must be open to God's leading in whatever direction he sees is best for you. If you follow his leading, you will be in the center of his will, fulfilling the purpose he has in mind. When you find yourself in the midst of suffering and hardship, don't think his plans for you have changed. God uses all things for the ultimate good of those who love him. You might not understand his purpose in all things, but he promises to be working for your good (Romans 8:28). You can be confident that God will keep that promise.