As human beings we have a sinning nature. Sinning and doing bad things comes easy, even for those among us who have a strong moral compass. Sometimes it is easier to lie, or to hide the truth rather then face the consequences of our actions no matter how small. We are made selfish and are convinced by the world that we are "special" and "different" from all those around us. This leads us to separation from the whole and separation from God. Through the trials I have been going through over the course of the past few months, which perhaps I will eventually share via this medium, I have learned that we are not that special or different. We are all really so similar, we go through the same things, are tested in similar ways, share the same fears and insecurities, and have the same feelings. Our nature wants us to not believe this, our nature wants us to hold on to the selfishness and turn away from the things that bring us together with each other and with God. The hard part for us is to love, to love everyone as if they were ourselves. This is what God commands.
"Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39 (NKJV)
This is an important aspect of Christianity and of faith. This is the first step towards turning your life to God. To see each person as an extension of yourself. To love them as though they were an extension of you. This goes completely against our nature, that selfish nature I mentioned earlier.
God wants us to love each other, wholly, totally and completely. Love each other with reckless abandon. He even gave us an example to live by, He showed us how to love, and how He expects us to love each other.
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NLT)
Praise God, how amazing is that. Not only does God make the ultimate sacrifice for us, His creation, His children, but He gives us the perfect example of how we must love each other. The perfect example of how He loves us. And He LOVES us. Powerfully and unbridled, completely and totally. He loves us exactly how we are right now in this moment. As a sinner, as an imperfect and selfish human being. His grace and His mercy is always available, always waiting for you and always present in your life, all you have to do is ask for them.
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)
By God's own words we can be saved at any time in our lives, by just turning to God and telling Him we are ready to give our lives to Him. Glory to God, what an awesome promise!
Life will fill us with challenges and obstacles and the more we try to fight them on our own, the more overwhelmed we will become, once we turn our lives and our will to God, good thing just start happening!
Go forth and love, love everyone the way God loves you!
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