Unless you trust in Jesus and He comes first, none of us are getting out of this alive. It’s no big secret life can be hard. It has been written about in many ways by many people.
Life is hard on us all. Even those who seem to have it all together, often times, inwardly struggle the most. We all have our hang-ups, phobias, fears, hurts, past painful experiences, scars, bumps, and bruises. And there never was or will be anyone on this planet who can perfectly see into a person’s heart and mind. Except, of course, Jesus the Perfect All-Knowing One.
Most of the time, you and I really don’t have a clue what’s inside the deep recesses of the hearts and minds of others. I think this is one reason why Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-3, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Be careful, you really don’t know the inward battles of others. You have never seen a motive. You are not God.
Because the difficulties of living on this sinful planet are many, I believe it's why we're told time and time again in Scripture to be kind, show mercy, demonstrate grace, and love.
How are each of us doing in these areas?
Peace,
steve
. . .
Photo: Matt Collamer, 2018
Photographer's note: “I met Michael in a Boston subway station. I told him I liked his sign [and] asked what it meant to him. 'Doing a deed or expressing kindness to another person without expecting anything in return,' Michael said. / Listening and talking to strangers teaches you... how similar we all are... we’re all seeking human kindness.” - Matt Collamer
Henry David Thoreau -- “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” -- “A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind.”
John Watson (Not Plato.) -- “Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Randy Stonehill -- “Life is tough, sure enough, but God is good. Sin is sweet for a while, but it’s like trying to make a pet out of a crocodile.”
Life is hard on us all. Even those who seem to have it all together, often times, inwardly struggle the most. We all have our hang-ups, phobias, fears, hurts, past painful experiences, scars, bumps, and bruises. And there never was or will be anyone on this planet who can perfectly see into a person’s heart and mind. Except, of course, Jesus the Perfect All-Knowing One.
Most of the time, you and I really don’t have a clue what’s inside the deep recesses of the hearts and minds of others. I think this is one reason why Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-3, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Be careful, you really don’t know the inward battles of others. You have never seen a motive. You are not God.
Because the difficulties of living on this sinful planet are many, I believe it's why we're told time and time again in Scripture to be kind, show mercy, demonstrate grace, and love.
How are each of us doing in these areas?
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Colossians 3:13b – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Peace,
steve
. . .
Photo: Matt Collamer, 2018
Photographer's note: “I met Michael in a Boston subway station. I told him I liked his sign [and] asked what it meant to him. 'Doing a deed or expressing kindness to another person without expecting anything in return,' Michael said. / Listening and talking to strangers teaches you... how similar we all are... we’re all seeking human kindness.” - Matt Collamer