The Desire to Relieve Suffering

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JESUS SPEAKING

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.'” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly, do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine, and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 25 – 37)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In this parable, a priest and a Levite are the first two individuals to encounter the suffering stranger. Despite their status as Holy men, they exemplified ungodliness; moving on without rendering any assistance. The third man who arrived was a Samaritan (a people the Jews considered wicked, deplorable, and pagan.) And yet only the Samaritan expressed genuine compassion for the stranger. After cleaning and bandaging his wounds, he brought him to an inn and paid for his care and recovery. As Christians, we too are called to relieve the suffering of others (whenever the Lord leads.)

Like the good Samaritan, all Christians today are motivated by a desire to relieve human suffering; in whatever form it appears. For example, throughout much of the world clean drinking water is in short supply. Many sources of water in impoverished countries are polluted; and the existing wells are often too shallow and inadequate to prevent contamination from sewage; which causes death and disease. And so, in the name of Jesus Christ, many organizations have dug and built new wells in these locations; deep enough to prevent or reduce contamination. Utilizing these new sources of water they can also grow crops; which limits the effects of starvation. Like it should be, the body of Christ brings hope to others.

As Christians we must have compassion for those who are in desperate need, fulfilling our duty to prevent suffering whenever possible (without enabling those whose suffering is the result of their own sinful behavior) May we show the love of Christ to those who are struggling. Using our kindness as a testimony of God’s love, we can then offer the gospel message of repentance and salvation to those who have experienced God’s affection.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we seek to accomplish Your works in this place, so that many might be drawn to You. Give us the desire to relieve the suffering of others (whenever appropriate.) May we also express love for our family, friends, and neighbors; giving ourselves over in service to those who are struggling. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Knowing the Truth

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went into the temple and taught. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” (John 7: 16 – 18)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

As Jesus taught in the temple, the Jewish leaders marveled at His doctrine. He had never been formally educated, and yet He possessed a perfect understanding of the scriptures. In a state of complete unity with God, His words contained no errors or unrighteous deviations. The knowledge of truth isn’t something that can be attained through careful study, but rather, can only be received from God, through His Holy Spirit (the true source of all wisdom.)

Concerning deception, Modern day psychology represents an attempt to explain and correct behavior based upon observation and human reasoning. As a result, many strange practices have arisen in the absence of God’s truth. None more peculiar than the current transgender movement. Advocates believe that individuals who feel inwardly as though they are a different sex than their biological anatomy indicates, should be true to their feelings instead of reality. Thus, many psychologists have embraced gender affirming care; suggesting for example, that the best therapy is for a man to transition into a woman; (or vice versa) by dressing, acting, and pretending to be the opposite sex. And yet in God’s word we read, “A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 22: 5) Therefore the proper care is to address the lie and assist these individuals into accepting reality; which requires them to live in conformity with their genuine biological sex.

As Christians we are also called to live in conformity to the reality of God’s truth; as given to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the scriptures; which only the Holy Spirit can properly discern. If we seek only God’s glory, then we too can be used to reveal to others what is good, and right, and true. May we never stop spreading His glorious doctrine with great joy.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize that You are the source of all truth. May we be conformed into Your image, and eagerly obey Your doctrines. May we carry Your message of salvation to the ends of the earth. Give us the strength, the courage, and the understanding to accomplish Your desires. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Feeding the Sheep

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JESUS SPEAKING

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to Him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord you know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21: 15 – 17)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

After the resurrection, and before ascending into heaven, Jesus spent some time with His Disciples. During this interaction, Peter was asked three times if He loved Jesus; and each time he reiterated his devotion. After every affirmation, he was given a mandate; to feed God’s people and to tend to His sheep. Thus Peter’s duty would require him to feed the body of believers spiritually; to nourish their hungry souls by reminding them of the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. And so, exposure to the scriptures is essential for healthy Christian living.

After invading Moscow in 1812, Napoleon thought he had defeated the Russians. And yet, upon entering Moscow he discovered the city was mostly abandoned and devoid of resources. In addition, a fire began, which burned a majority of the city to the ground. Despite losing Moscow, the Russians remained defiant and refused to surrender their nation. Lacking the supplies needed to endure the harsh winter, Napoleon ordered his Grand Army to retreat from Russia. During this time, the freezing weather, surprise attacks, and a lack of adequate shelter caused many deaths. However, the absence of food was likely the most devastating affliction they endured. Thousands of soldiers starved to death before their march was completed. According to some estimates, of the approximately 600,000 French troops who entered Russia, only around 100,000 survived the ordeal.

In much the same way, the body of Christ is an army marching together in unity. To be certain, our greatest adversary is a lack of spiritual nourishment. If we submit to reading and learning from the teachings of Jesus Christ (and the scriptures) our Spirits will remain strong and healthy. But if we neglect Church attendance and biblical teaching our souls will starve and we will fall away. May we always seek to be fed spiritually as we journey with Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, feed us with Your word and sustain our souls by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May we always embrace Your teachings and be attentive to the scriptures that You have written for our benefit. May we remain strong in the faith and never waiver. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!