SAY IT ISN’T SO

A deacon phoned his pastor who was on vacation in a distant city. When he answered the call, the deacon blurted out, “Pastor, a cyclone just came through our county and destroyed my house and barn.”

“I’m not surprised,” replied his pastor. Then he continued, “The punishment for unconfessed sin is inevitable! Sooner or later, God will judge all sin and sinners!”

“But Pastor,” continued the deacon, “it destroyed your house as well.”

“It did?” exclaimed the pastor. “The ways of the Lord are past human understanding.”

There are times when it is difficult to offer love and kindness to those whom we feel do not deserve it. Our responses to another person’s trials and tragedies, unfortunately and often, come from a distorted view of God’s love. We are inclined to look at what happens to others from a normal, distorted, human response and believe that “they got what they deserved.”

When we realize the loving kindness of God to us and His blessings on us, and then realize how undeserving we are of anything and everything, perhaps we may begin to see things differently. If God does not withhold anything good from us, we should treat others the same!

Prayer:  Lord, may we look at others the way You look at us – with love, care and compassion. May we realize that we are all equal when we stand before You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:    And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:14