When Jesus said this to his disciples, I wonder what they understood and what Jesus meant. Of course, people have been trying to understand this for a very long time. You can look up the various explanations by typing those words into a search engine. The views are numerous and some complex and confusing.
I don’t want to add to the confusion in any way, but I certainly want to believe what Jesus said – just as he said it. But for now, let me work on doing the things he did. I haven’t raised the dead yet. But I sure would love to.
I would like to explore an additional possibility here. Those words represent to me the attitude and focus of Jesus. He called the disciples friends, brothers, children and other words of love and honor. As he was raising up a team of people who would spread the gospel much beyond the nation of Israel, they would certainly be special people.
I believe those words show the special focus of Jesus in building up people much beyond anything they have ever imagined. At that point, they were already doing the things that Jesus was doing, but they also struggled with their limitations as sinful human beings. But with his words, Jesus pulled off all limits and the possibilities would be beyond their wildest dreams.
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Examine the measure carefully. Is it tainted with jealousy? Is there a texture of callousness? Can that person stand up to the same measure?
Maybe there is a lot of truth that you don’t measure up. So what to do? Get better? I’m sure there’s room for improvement. Go ahead and step up to the challenge.
Now what about God’s measure? It’s quite steep. In fact none of us can measure up. We’re all doomed. But there’s a catch. His measure is tainted with grace. It’s true that you don’t measure up. But it’s equally true that is rigged with grace for us.
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It stays buried. Hidden from you. You may not know it’s there. But it’s got you on a leash and leads you according to its wishes. You wonder why you responded as you did. It baffles you how you feel that anger swell up within you.
Offences are like parasites. But worse. They survive not only on your body but on your emotions as well. First they take over your emotions and lead you where it wants you to go.
All during that time it continues its work on your body. It often begins with the weakest link. You treat the symptoms not knowing the actual roots. Some go on living their entire lives not knowing what’s truly happening to them.
Unbury those offences within you and begin dealing with them. Your offenders have gone on with their lives but you’re still stuck. But you can be free. Totally free. But some of the physical effects may remain with you. So the earlier you get rid of the offences, the better it is.
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When it’s an issue of character, don’t be quick to believe the evidence. It may be convincing. The source may be reliable. The evidence may be convicting.
But wait. Give some time. Think it over. If possible, sit with the accused and hear their side of the story. Step into their shoes and try to see it from their perspective. Things look different from their shoes.
Read this old time favorite of mine: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” (Pro 18:17).
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Gifts are just gifts. For some it is done out of obligation. For others, it is a careless habit. Now there are those who make it quite a thoughtful matter. Lots of time, effort and energy goes into finding the perfect gift. For people who are quite selective, they would love to see that person use the gift that was given. But some just let it sit and collect dust. Others will carelessly give it away to someone else as their gift.
God the creator has given everyone gifts in life. His gifts were tailor made just for each person. Actually he does it like no one ever could. Not only does God create you, he creates the gift as well. Because he goes to so much trouble, he expects you to put it to use.
For God, that gift is His investment into your life so you can bless those around you and make the world a better place. Your gifts are to be used in the church, workplace, and community. That is God’s purpose for the gifts given to you.
So, what are you doing with the gift?
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Do you need help? Find people who need something and help them. If it is in your power to help, do it. If you’re not sure, find a way to help. Stretch yourself to help others.
If the help they need is out of your capability, find another person who can help. Refer them to the other person and make sure to follow up. Follow up until they get what they need.
During the process, you may think that this is really none of your business. But it is. As part of the human race, you have a moral obligation to help others.
As you continue to help people, you will leave a trail of kindness. Then when you are in need, you will benefit from a trail of kindness that someone else has left.
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Standards are different wherever you turn. Especially standards for integrity. It will vary according to the subculture you are connected with. Within that perspective, your standards are appropriate and acceptable.
Even within the same society, you’ll find different convictions regarding integrity. This can be an eye opener for many. But for others, it can be quite disturbing.
When you come to the scriptures, you begin to feel the tension even further. It’s the painful tension of misaligned standards for integrity. What to do? Follow your heart? That sounds good. But the Bible says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer 17:9)
So what standards shall we adopt for integrity?
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Over care may become smothering for some people. It results in emotional suffocation and the result may be the end of the relationship.
Since those in the caring professions are often driven by compassion, It’s not easy to find the balance. So over care may be inevitable. But strive for balance anyway.
Proper balance will be healthy for those receiving care. It will result in better development and empowering. The people will be more equipped to care for themselves and others.
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We helped many times. We cared, loved, and remained patient. They’ve messed up again. Now, I’m sick and tired of being patient. On top of that, they’ve left for “greener pastures.”
I’ve seen this trend before. They’ll be back. They’ll make the rounds. And come back with the same amount of dissatisfaction. I want to say, “Don’t come back here again.” Especially with that same grumpy look.
But then I remember Jesus. I remember the Father’s broken heart. The prodigal son walking fearfully, doubtfully. Unmistakably guilty. Totally unacceptable. A burden and disgrace to the family.
Them I remember me. Not much different. Broke the Father’s heart too.
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Take it in stride. Give up the urge to retaliate. There’s always another day. I often think of this proverb: “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense” (Pro 19:11).
But remember, they have betrayed trust with you and it must gradually regained. Don’t be in a hurry to put yourself in a vulnerable position again. Give it time.
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