Thoughts From the Bible

Read Matthew 5: 43- 48- We live in an ever-increasing polarized society. There are very few in the middle. Because of the dynamics of people largely living on opposite ends of the spectrum, it has given rise to varying degrees of hatred amo ng people. It seems we have too many people living by the old saying, “If you are not for me, you are against me.” Jesus changed the narrative on how we are to approac h other people, especially those against us. Verses 44 and 45 say, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you maybe sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good and sen ds rain on the just and on the unjust.” Jesus has given us the responsibility to be the peacemakers.  He expects to be the ones who take the extra effort to make sure relationships are positive in order for our testimony of the love of God stands true. Does that mean we accept everything someone does who we do not feel...

  Matthew 5:1 3 - 16- ‘” You are the salt of the earth , but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”’   Jesus gave us two examples of how He wants our lives to be lived. Another basic concept of being a Christian is to live our belief in Jesus every day in all we do.  We need to be prepared to open ly give God the praise and recognition for how we live our lives. We are not to be timid in how we follow God’s principles.   This is a recurring thought in all the principles God has set forth. As we know, salt provides a distinct ...