“This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.”
– St. John
“For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other.”
– St. John
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
– St. Paul
“What you got they can’t steal it – no they can’t even feel it. Walk on.” – Bono
I always appreciate the insight and posture of Brian Zahnd, including his latest thoughts on Scripture:
The supreme value of the treasure that is Holy Scripture is that it is the divine witness to the Word of God who is Christ.
If you can’t see the distinction between Jesus and the Bible, you are very confused indeed! And not in a trivial manner either. Biblicism is a rival faith to Christianity. Oh, believe me, I have a high view of Scripture…but Jesus is Lord! It is Christ who rules the nations… not the Bible. Can I give an example of how this distinction might matter? Consider that the Bible does not give a clear denunciation of slavery, but the living and reigning Christ surely does!
I shared this on most of my social networks this morning – but it bears repeating here.
From Anita Smith, the wife of teacher Ronnie Smith, who was killed last month in Libya:
I hear people speaking with hate, anger and blame over Ronnie’s death, but that’s not what Ronnie would want. Ronnie would want his death to be an opportunity for us to show one another love and forgiveness, because that’s what God has shown us.
I want all of you – all of the people of Libya – to know I am praying for the peace and prosperity of Libya. May Ronnie’s blood, shed on Libyan soil, encourage peace and reconciliation between the Libyan people and God.
Despite what you may be seeing elsewhere in your social feeds today, this is the faith that I strive for.
This is the Christianity I hold to so dearly — loving neighbors and enemies alike.
I know I’ll never live it out 100% but please know that THIS is what I’m striving for.
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