03/27/2022
Good morning everyone 😊☀️🌅
I woke up today with thankfulness on my heart and blessings all around me. As these days often do, our message in church today focused on the Good Samaritan, and with that, giving kindness and blessings to others. With the Easter season upon us, I feel called to share my own thoughts with you all.
Ephesians 4:32 tells us, "...be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Scripture abounds with messages of kindness, humility, and obedience, not just to God but also to each other. Luke 6:36 commands, "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate." And finally, 1 John 3:17 reminds us, "If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?"
The Christian faith commands us to follow Christ's example here on earth to each other, so that we may exemplify the love He gave to us. In doing so, those around us may similarly learn to develop and share this compassion. We are in a season of utmost compassion, seeing people drop everything and open their homes to those in Ukraine, to going out in their communities to share blessings and abundance with their neighbors, and to bestow simple gifts upon strangers at grocery stores and gas stations.
I love Jesus' story and lesson in Matthew 25:34-40, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’"
In this season of remembrance, I encourage you to "pay it forward." Blessings no matter how big or small make an impact on both the giver and the receiver. Whether you share a kind word or compliment, offer someone the comfort of a warm meal or clothes, or bestow a larger financial gift to somebody or some charity, God knows your deeds and your heart. He loves you all the more for true, selfless giving. I pray we all go forth this week with love in our hearts and this shining light in our souls so that we may be a blessing to those around us.
-Dr. Mo
