Friday, May 17, 2013

Do No Harm

Several friends of mine were struggling today. Each of them had been impacted, not by chance, or the weather, or sickness, but by the actions and speaking of other people. As I reflected on each of these situations, I was immediately angry, sad, frustrated… Life is tough enough. Taking care of our families. Taking care of our homes. Taking care of our animals. Worshiping our God. There is plenty for us to do in life, it seems crazy to me that we cannot treat each other decently at times.

In Matthew 5 Jesus said blessed are the merciful. Why? Because they will obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart. Why? Because they will see God! I’m pretty sure if we are harming others there is a good chance we are not completely pure in heart. Blessed are the peace makers. Why? They will be called the sons of God. Now this one is very interesting to me. It seems to me that when we are born again, we become the sons of God, and joint heirs with Jesus. Does this imply that one of the fruits we should see in our lives if we are born again is that we will be peace makers? I do not say these things to judge any man. That is not my place, nor am I worthy of the task. I say them to judge myself, and encourage us all to do the same.

Prayer
Father, please forgive us for not treating the rest of Your kids with respect sometimes. Please help us to take that extra minute before we speak to make sure that what we are about to say is really in everyone’s best interest. Please help us to go that extra mile with those in need, those struggling to be free, those that have been harmed in some way. Let us be ambassadors for You of the peace You have to offer. Let our prayers be answered to bring peace that the whole earth may know that You indeed are the Healer Deliverer King. In Jesus name. Amen