Give Them His Love

In John 13:34 in the Bible it reads, "... love one another; as I have loved you ...". Charity, the pure love of Christ, was the whole life and purpose of Jesus coming to Earth. He lived and died because of love for us. He suffered more than we can comprehend with the atonement. 

But sometimes there are people that feel too hard to love. We can give them His love. 

Jesus understands why people are the way they are, why they do what they do, and He loves them and atoned for their sins. We don't always understand why people are the way they are, why they do what they do, but we can have faith in Him and trust His atonement and give them His love. 

That doesn't mean we let people run us over, it means we extend the grace of not understanding them. Hurt people hurt people. For most mean people, they act that way because of deep seated pain. Jesus understands the why, doesn't excuse the behavior, but understands the why and has already atoned for their sins and for the pain they caused you. 

For those too hard to love, it's okay. Love yourself and those in your care enough to do what you need to protect and have a good life of love. Extend the love of Jesus Christ to those you cannot love. Remember that the atonement already covered their sins, your sins, your pain, and their pain. 

I believe in the end it will be okay, and if it's not okay, it's not the end. 

Greg Olson

 

 

Forgotten Gratitude

When told to count your blessings, many things may come to mind, or just a few. There are some things we should be grateful for that we often forget. 

Safety- whether it's coming back safe from a drive or a walk, or living in a war free territory.

Health- though a lot of us have multiple health issues, physical and mental, there are so many other issues that we do not suffer from.

Wealth- wealth is relative, what may be poor in one location is rich in another location. Having access to running water, electricity, internet, food, and health care are all signs of being quite well off compared to most of earthly life. Also the wealth of good family and friends, even if it is only one person. 

If we could all take some extra time to be grateful for that which seems ordinary this month, we can heal our hearts a little. 

God appreciates gratitude and gives us more in return to be thankful for.