So the month of February is the love month. Yes, chocolate and roses are
the traditional gifts given to our sweethearts to show, or reaffirm our
affection and love for each other. For the last four years, our ministry,
Master’s Hand Ministry has called February, Love Thy Neighbor month. We have
encouraged people to do simple acts of love to friends and strangers alike. It
could be a coffee, a meal, a chocolate bar, or even a listening caring ear,
called time. None of these cost a lot, yet are so valuable. In fact my wife and
I have already been blessed with a breakfast, a pot of beef stew, and a package
of cookies. I have had a medical appointment phone call out of the blue. All of
these were because someone cared enough to love us.
This past week I have read where some
new sponsored families will soon be arriving in our community and an article
where the local Muslim community will soon have their own mosque to gather in
worship. These things in themselves serve to show how diverse we can be in our
community. God is showing us that just because we are different, doesn’t mean
we cannot co-exist. Regardless of our color, creed, or faith belief’s we are
not the enemies that the world wants us to be. What we are is the world that
Jesus wants us to be. In the Old Testament we were given the Ten Commandments,
in the New Testament, or new covenant, Jesus gives us two commandments. In
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV) the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus with this
question. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus
replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second
is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang
on these two commandments.”
Jesus, who is the son of God, has given unto us a great responsibility.
Love without borders. He is not our religion, He is our redeemer. His
words instruct us not to kill those of another faith, but to love those who are
different than us. Each of us on this earth will perhaps be given eighty years
of human life if we are so fortunate. We will all find out the truth when we
leave and are standing in front of God. Meanwhile, let’s offer one another a
handshake in peace and love, and perhaps a friendly coffee or piece of
chocolate.
Mike Shindruk
www.mastershandministry.blogspot.com
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