Dear Friends
In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount he says, 'In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets'. For so many people this is both common sense and a common courtesy. Yet surely it is more than that. It is a practical way of showing that we care and respect each other as being part of God's family. Jesus calls us to a generous and ethical living. This call to care, is a call that he gives to all, not just a few.
In 'Encircled in Care' it illustrates this. When a young person helps find an older woman's favourite cushion for her comfort during worship, this is an act of caring. When that same woman sits with the distressed mum in the church lounge and holds her hand as she sobs, this is an act of caring. When those involved in working with children and vulnerable adults apply for a CRB check, this is an act of caring. When the property committee take steps to make sure the building is accessible and they provide large print hymn and worship books, this too is a practical expression of the call to care and to "love our neighbour".
In doing all these things, we are living our faith in word and action. Yet sometimes we tend to dismiss it in those terms because it is normal or natural for us. Let us remember that being a disciple of Jesus takes every aspect of our life and therefore even the smallest things are part of discipleship. When we understand this, how thankful we are to God for the very real part we play in his mission, in his purpose, in his world. We are God's people, so let us acknowledge and be thankful for the call to care and rejoice in the gifts God gives us to fulfil this part of our calling.
Every blessing
Ian
In Jesus' Sermon on the Mount he says, 'In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets'. For so many people this is both common sense and a common courtesy. Yet surely it is more than that. It is a practical way of showing that we care and respect each other as being part of God's family. Jesus calls us to a generous and ethical living. This call to care, is a call that he gives to all, not just a few.
In 'Encircled in Care' it illustrates this. When a young person helps find an older woman's favourite cushion for her comfort during worship, this is an act of caring. When that same woman sits with the distressed mum in the church lounge and holds her hand as she sobs, this is an act of caring. When those involved in working with children and vulnerable adults apply for a CRB check, this is an act of caring. When the property committee take steps to make sure the building is accessible and they provide large print hymn and worship books, this too is a practical expression of the call to care and to "love our neighbour".
In doing all these things, we are living our faith in word and action. Yet sometimes we tend to dismiss it in those terms because it is normal or natural for us. Let us remember that being a disciple of Jesus takes every aspect of our life and therefore even the smallest things are part of discipleship. When we understand this, how thankful we are to God for the very real part we play in his mission, in his purpose, in his world. We are God's people, so let us acknowledge and be thankful for the call to care and rejoice in the gifts God gives us to fulfil this part of our calling.
Every blessing
Ian
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