Love For Others

[Walter and Deborah]

Thursday 12-23-21 Tevet 18, 5782 5th. day of the weekly cycle, 3rd. Winter Day

Acts 11:19-26

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Read full chapter

LOL, Walter and Debbie

[Riverwalker]

took me a while to reconcile the title with the scripture posted...But since it is acts 11 and we have just opened up the Gospel to the gentiles, I assume those or the "others" being referred to

 

As always loving others can be the hardest of all things - always makes me think of this

[missmuffet]

1 hour ago, Riverwalker said:

took me a while to reconcile the title with the scripture posted...But since it is acts 11 and we have just opened up the Gospel to the gentiles, I assume those or the "others" being referred to

 

As always loving others can be the hardest of all things - always makes me think of this

I can relate. Especially those humans who are toxic people. 

[Mama Etna]

This scripture brings back thoughts of those that dislike others simply because they are from another part of the country, or another part of the world, or simply because of the color of their skin.  The gospel message is open to all who receive him, regardless of what they look like or what part of the world they are from.

[branchesofHim]

7 hours ago, missmuffet said:

I can relate. Especially those humans who are toxic people. 

Indeed. We must remember that God loves everyone. Thankfully we can love some from a distance. Shalom

John 3:[16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[MrBear]

Matthew 5:43 - Jesus speaking
“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”

nowhere in the Bible does it say hate your enemy, David said one time I hate those that hate you, but once again Jesus was calling out the Pharisees- They twisted the word ( once again) to teach the Jews love other Jews but hate the Samaritan and gentiles, they would even pull thier robes in when walking through towns so their clothes wouldn’t even brush up against them 😡

But Jesus corrects this false teaching in the next verse

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

Easier said than done, I never deserved to be forgiven, I harmed people, I’m not perfect and I have to remember that when I’m under attack or feel slighted 

it’s called being MEEK , people think of meekness as weakness,. But being meek doesn’t mean being a doormat it means throttling down when you want to go full force, having control

Matthew 5:5 
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

When we feel we have been disrespected or made an enemy we have to control our anger, instead pray for those that persecute us find meekness and exhibit behaviors pleasing to God, because he saw past our own transgressions🥰

 

SHALOM❤️