From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Mar 11, 2024 at 6:11 AM

Subject: 3-11-24 THOUGHTS

3-11-24   THOUGHTS  

The reading this morning begins with three awesome connections.  The way we treat others, giving and love,  are inseparable parts of our CHARACTER.  How we think and live in relation to these qualities determines who we become.  The nature of our God is here!  Powerfully, the object of these behaviors is not to be one who will give back to us, or love us in return, but rather those who cannot reciprocate.  Verses 35 and 36 seal the thought.  Mercy and judgment are added to the discussion and the character mix. Be merciful, do not judge.  These few verses are to be our way of living!  They show us how to follow God and be like God!  I want to be a son of the Most High!

Luke 6:30-38     "Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.  31  "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.  32  "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.  33  "If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.  34  "If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?  Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount.   35  "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.  36  "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  37   "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.  38  "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
Jas 2:13    For judgment [will be] merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

My Prayer:
O Father, make us after Your own self.  As we have been created in Your image, may we take that image into our world.  May our light and salt be more effective as we grow.  We that love in all its forms, will be our essence in living our lives.  May we seek things above, not the things of this earth. We love and praise You, O God of love.  In the name of our Lord,   Amen.