Do We Have To Worry?

 As the new year approaches, as God's children, as those who believe, those who put their trust in God for their lives, and live their lives by faith in Christ Jesus, I want to remind you of a few things. 

Where does our help come from with whatever we face in life? It comes from the only true and living God, the Maker of heaven and Earth. If the God of all things watches over us, why worry? Why be afraid? Look at these passages and renew your mind with them. Trust on these promises because God cannot lie, as the new year approaches:

Psalms 121:1-8 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [3] He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; [4] indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. [5] The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; [6] the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. [7] The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; [8] the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalms 91:4-12, 14-16 NIV

[4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. [5] You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, [6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. [8] You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. [9] If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, [10] no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. [11] For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; [12] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

[14] “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. [16] With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalms 103:2-22 NIV

[2] Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— [3] who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, [4] who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, [5] who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. [6] The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. [7] He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: [8] The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. [9] He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; [10] he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. [11] For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; [12] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. [13] As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; [14] for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. [15] The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; [16] the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. [17] But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— [18] with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. [19] The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. [20] Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. [21] Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. [22] Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.

Psalms 138:7 NIV

[7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

Psalms 103:12 NIV

[12] as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25 NIV

[25] “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

This is the new covenant of the blood of Jesus Christ that we are under today:

Hebrews 10:16-17 NIV

[16] “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” [17] Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

Being "born again" by the Holy Spirit because we believe in Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us, we are adopted children of God and added to His Kingdom forever. So God watches over us, protects us, forgives all our sins and remembers them no more, and heals all our diseases. He takes care of us now and we can always rely upon Him to do so. With that, I want us all to enter the new year with this final passage. Don't worry or be afraid as we enter this new year:

Joshua 1:9 NIV

[9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Praise God!! Happy New Year!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Do You Have The Gift?

As we celebrate Christmas and we get together with friends and family, exchange gifts, and experience a time of peace, love, and generosity, do you have THE gift? 

It's no mystery, especially this time of year, as we celebrate the birth of God's one and only Son. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who came to save all mankind from their sins, the One who made a way for us to live for all eternity with God. Jesus died on the cross to take away the penalty of sin, to truly take away the sin of the world. He laid down His life so that you and I could live. He was raised from the dead and now sits at the Father's right hand in heaven right now, so that you and I could receive the free gift of eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Do you have the greatest gift ever offered to all mankind? God wants to give you this free gift right now!! What is the gift? Eternal life in heaven with Him!!!!

John 3:16-17 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.16-17.NIV

He wants you to be born again by the Holy Spirit, so that He can adopt you into His family forever, which is the Kingdom of God. He wants all of us to be His sons and daughters forever. He loves you and I THAT MUCH. God made a way for all mankind to live with Him forever.

How? By believing in His Son, Jesus Christ.

When you believe that Jesus Christ is real and that He died on the cross for you and was raised from the dead for you, then you are born again by the Holy Spirit and adopted into the family of God. You are given eternal life right then.

John 3:3-8 NIV

[3] Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” [4] “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.3.3-8.NIV

1 John 5:1a. NIV

[1] Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,...

We celebrate Jesus coming into the world. He is the Light that came to shine in a dark world. Whenever you believe in Him, you are born again by the Holy Spirit and become a child of God.

John 1:9-13 NIV

[9] The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. [11] He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. [12] Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— [13] children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.1.9-13.NIV

When you believe in His name, you are born again. You receive the gift of eternal life by being adopted into the kingdom of God, by God!!

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.2.8-9.NIV

1 John 3:1 NIV

[1] See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/1jn.3.1.NIV

Do you want to live with God forever in heaven?

Then believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God right now! Do what Paul tells you to do now!

Romans 10:9-11, 13 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 

[13] for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.10.9-13.NIV

Call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!! Be born again and adopted into God's family!! 

Acts 2:38 NIV

[38] Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/act.2.38.NIV

God made you. He loves you. Jesus loves you. He wants to add you to His family. He wants to give you eternal life by adopting you into His family. Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Jesus? Then come to Him today!! Come to Jesus Christ today!! Make Him your Lord and Savior today!! And you will receive the gift of eternal life today and you will become a child of God forever!!

Come to Jesus now!!! I love you today!! Whoever you are!!

I Love You All Dear Readers!!

Jeffrey Post

Why Love People?

These past few days we have studied and taken a deep look into what it means to love people. We have learned how to treat all people. So now we look at why we are supposed to love people. What's the purpose of loving those around us?

As Christians, Jesus said we are "the light of the world."

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

[14]  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We bring something into this dark world that people around us can see, that they do not experience everyday. We bring something different into the world around us. 

When we love them and show them love by our good deeds, this points to God, this points to Jesus. This makes people take note. This gets their attention. This makes people wonder why we are different from everyone else. All of this should point to Jesus Christ, THE TRUE LIGHT.

When we love people, we reflect the love that Jesus has for all mankind. We reflect THE LIGHT that has come into the world. We reflect Jesus. We do not love people for our own praise, admiration, or attention from those around us. We love people to draw attention to Jesus Christ, who first loved us. We love people to draw them to Jesus Christ. That's why we show love to all those around us. So, they can come to God and be saved by their faith in Christ Jesus.

All this points to Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer. Everything that we are in this world should point to Jesus Christ, not ourselves. So, others can be saved Church. Like John the Baptist said:

John 3:30 NIV

[30] He must become greater; I must become less.”

Our lives and how we love people should point them to Jesus, like John the Baptist's did. We should reflect the light of Jesus in our lives by our love for all people.

We have a great example of this in nature. The Moon reflects the Sun's light. We should reflect Jesus's light into the world. It all begins with our loving all people. 

We love all people to point them to Jesus Christ.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Loving People Is Serving Them

 In this new text and study, Jesus gives us all a way to truly love all mankind, which is by serving them. First, we humble ourselves like Jesus did in the text, and serve them. No one should be so arrogant as to think it is beneath them to help or serve someone. If the Son of God served people, we should too. Later in chapter 13, Jesus gives a new command to love one another as he loved them. That would be how people would know that we belonged to Him, by how we loved each other. John would further this thought in First John. We truly love people when we serve them by helping them and meeting their needs. We show them we love them with our actions. We don't just say we love someone, we show them we love them with our actions, just like Jesus did. 

John 13:1-17 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” [7] Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” [8] “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” [9] “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” [10] Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

So, now John tells us how to love them, which is by serving them, just like Jesus did. We lay down our lives for people and serve them, just like Jesus did. Friends, family, Church family, co-workers, strangers, and anyone else you can think of, this is how we "love" all people. This is how we know what love is. Look at this:

1 John 3:16-23 NIV

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. [19] This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: [20] If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. [21] Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God [22] and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. [23] And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 

So, we can rest assured that when we love people by serving them and helping them, that we are doing what pleases God. We are showing people God exists as we love them with our good deeds and then they will glorify God because of it. 

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

So, we love people by laying down our lives for them, and by serving and helping them in whatever way we can. We do this with our actions. Then they will know we care about them and truly love them. They will experience the love of God through us. So awesome!!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: Closing It Out

 As we continue our study on how to love people, which is learning how to treat people, I will close out this study on the last 4 things that love does.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

To the best of our ability, we decide in advance to "protect" people. Whatever situation arises, whatever that looks like for you in your capacity, in your life, protect all people.

The next 3 can be summed up in saying never give up on people. Expect the best from people. Look for the good in all people. Always trust in them, always have hope for them, and always persevere with them. God never gave up on us and is always faithful to us. So, we never give up on people either. 

We never do anything that deters us from treating all people in the ways we have learned in this passage through this series.

This whole series can be simplified to a single verse in the Bible, which is one of my favorites:

Romans 13:10 NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Love does no harm to anyone that crosses our path in life. Period. We never do harm to another person. When we never bring harm to people in actions or words or deeds, then we are loving them. That's the whole point of the Bible. Love God and love all people like Jesus told us to.

So, now, let's get out there and truly love people.

I love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "Love Does Not Delight In Evil"

 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

We continue in our study about how to love people, which is learning how to treat them. We have been learning how to treat people. The anchor passage has been showing us how to treat everyone, no matter who they are. When we treat people in this way, then we are loving them like God wants us to, which is the whole point of this study.

So, the next characteristic of love is that "it does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth."

The easiest way to explain this is Romans 12:9,

Romans 12:9 NIV

[9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

We "hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

We turn from evil and do good. We cling to the truth in God's Word. That is how we learn what is good in this life, by the truth of God's Word. So we cling to that instead of doing evil. We hate evil and rejoice with the truth of God's Word, which shows us what is good.

We treat all people with the goodness we learn from the Word of God, never evil. 

Let's look at scripture now:

Psalms 34:12-14 NIV

[12] Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, [13] keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. [14] Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalms 97:10 NIV

[10] Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalms 101:2-5, 7 NIV

[2] I will be careful to lead a blameless life— when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart. [3] I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it. [4] The perverse of heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with what is evil. [5] Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.

[7] No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.

This is saying that we will not tolerate evil in our lives or those who practice evil.

Proverbs 8:12-14 NIV

[12] “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. [13] To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. [14] Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.

This personification of wisdom shows us how to be wise in turning from these behaviors.

Proverbs 10:23 NIV

[23] A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Proverbs 11:27 NIV

[27] Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.

Proverbs 24:19-20 NIV

[19] Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, [20] for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Romans 12:17-19, 21 NIV

[17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

[21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 NIV

[22] reject every kind of evil.

2 Timothy 2:22 NIV

[22] Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Peter 3:9-12 NIV

[9] Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. [10] For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. [11] They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. [12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

So, we always turn from any kind of evil and treat people good when we love them.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Keeps No Record of Wrongs"

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

As we continue our study on how to love all people by how we decide to treat them, we come to the last phrase in verse 5, "it keeps no record of wrongs." Severeal other translations say "it does not hold a grudge." "Holding a grudge" is when someone treats you badly and you hold it against them. My friends, what does that sound like? It sounds like unforgiveness. So, this phrase deals with unforgiveness in our hearts. 

If we truly love someone we always forgive people. You might say, "But you don't know what they did to me." Doesn't matter. God says forgive them. You let it go, get it out of your spirit, and move on. Forgiveness helps you move on with your life, and allows you to love people no matter what has happened in the past. God gave us mercy and forgiveness through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, and He expects the same from us, His children. We give the same mercy and forgiveness that has been given to us. Therefore, we never hold a grudge, but we always forgive everyone, no matter what happens.

Let's look at scripture regarding forgiveness:

Look at this great example Joseph gave to us on how to forgive people. Remember how badly his brothers treated him when he was a child. Look at his response years down the road:

Genesis 50:15-21 NIV

[15] When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” [16] So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: [17] ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. [18] His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. [19] But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. [21] So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Proverbs 19:11 NIV

[11] A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

[14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Folks, we cannot hold anything against anyone ever! This will allow us to truly love people.

Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

[21] Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Wow!! Look at this!!

Matthew 18:23-35 NIV

[23] “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. [24] As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. [25] Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. [26] “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ [27] The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. [28] “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. [29] “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ [30] “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. [31] When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. [32] “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. [33] Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ [34] In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. [35] “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Mark 11:25 NIV

[25] And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Luke 6:37 NIV

[37]  “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 17:3-4 NIV

[3] So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. [4] Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV

[5] If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. [6] The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. [7] Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [8] I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 

Ephesians 4:26, 32 NIV

[26] “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 

[32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

[13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

All of these passages are self-explanatory. We always forgive because God forgave us. Never hold a grudge.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Count It All Joy?

Taking a break from our study about love, I want to clarify a passage of scripture that has been misunderstood a lot over the years. The Holy Spirit just showed this to me.

James 1:2-4 NIV

[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

The first part of this passage has been singled out and misunderstood. 

[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

This singled out is how it has been taught. That we're supposed to be happy about all the bad things that happen in our lives. It is NOT saying that at all. 

The whole passage is saying that we should be happy about the end result. When we go through a lot of trials and trust in God to bring us through them, and He does, this strengthens our faith, our trust in God. This builds our dependence upon God. So when trials come, we should see it as an opportunity to build our faith, our trust in God even more. This makes us stronger Christians. 

Don't be happy about the specific trial you have to go through. Be happy about the end result. God will bring you through it as you trust in Him.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Is Not Easily Angered"

As we continue our study on how to love people by how we treat people, we see an issue that runs rampant across the world today. People are "easily angered" or offended at the least little thing. We know what it means to get angry. In our anchor passage, it says that love does not get "easily angered." When we love people, we decide in advance how we will treat them. Thus, we decide in advance to control our tempers and not get easily angered or offended. When we lose our tempers we are not loving people.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Let's look at the scriptures now.

Psalms 37:8 NIV

[8] Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Proverbs 14:17 NIV

[17] A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 NIV

[29] Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Proverbs 15:18 NIV

[18] A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 19:11 NIV

[11] A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

[24] Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, [25] or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 29:22 NIV

[22] An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV

[9] Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Matthew 5:22 NIV

[22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

This is saying that it is not good to get angry with people and call them names of contempt like "Raca." Simply? Don't get mad at people and call them names. 

Ephesians 4:26, 31-32 NIV

[26] “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 

[31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

This is one of the greatest verses to live by:

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

We can't love people if we lose our tempers, are easily offended, or easily angered. So, we decide in advance not to do it. Easy peesy.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Is Not Self-Seeking"

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

As we continue our study on how to truly love people, we look at this next phrase,"it is not self-seeking." Other translations simply say "it is not selfish." So "self-seeking" is being selfish. We all know what being selfish is. However, let's see the proper definition for it:

Selfish- concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself: seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. 

I think the biggest idea here is that selfish people have no regard for others. They do not care about others. They only think about themselves. We all know this kind of person. We know what selfishness looks like. 

It is easy to see how love is not selfish. Love involves our decision on how we will treat other people. If we are selfish, then we are not thinking about other people, only ourselves and our well-being. So, if you're selfish, you will not care about the people in your life. Thus, you will not be loving them.

What does it mean to not be selfish? It means living your life concerned about the well-being of others. We care about them and help them in whatever way we can. This is loving them.

Jesus was our perfect example. He took care of himself, but lived to serve others. We take care of ourselves, but should live to serve others.

We humble ourselves before God and mankind to be servants to all mankind just like Jesus did. Look at the example he left us:

John 13:1-17 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” [7] Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” [8] “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” [9] “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” [10] Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Loving people we take care of our needs, but live to serve others. We never neglect our well-being, but attend to it daily, while we meet the needs of others. This is how we decide in advance how to treat people, how to love them.

We "deny ourselves," "lay down our lives," "lose our lives," in service to others as Jesus did:

Mark 8:34-35 NIV

[34] Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [35] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 

1 John 3:16 NIV

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 

This is what Jesus meant when he said:

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Another term used to describe this is:

Self-sacrifice- laying aside one's personal interests or well-being for the sake of another.

Let's explore scriptures about this:

Matthew 16:24-25 NIV

[24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [25] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

Here are two examples of self-sacrifice:

What Jesus said to the rich young ruler and what the Samaritan did in the Parable of the Good Samaritan:

Matthew 19:21 NIV

[21] Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

Luke 10:30-37 NIV

[30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ [36]  “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Don't cause someone to stumble in their faith:

Romans 14:21 NIV

[21] It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV

[24] No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

We live for Jesus now as we follow Him.

2 Corinthians 5:15 NIV

[15] And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

We serve Jesus now by serving others:

John 12:25-26 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

1 John 3:16-18 NIV

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

So, let's not be selfish. Let's live to serve and help others like Jesus did. Lay down our lives for others like Jesus did. This is loving them.

Why do this? So they will experience the love of God through us. Then they might want to be saved too.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Does Not Dishonor Others"

Continuing our study, let's review our anchor passage:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Continuing our study in how to love people, we look at a simple sentence today at the start of verse 5, "It does not dishonor others." What does THAT mean? Other translations say it in a simple way that clarifies, "Is not rude." Love doesn't dishonor others by being rude. Love is not rude to people. We all know what being rude to someone is. So, we make up our minds beforehand that we will never be rude to people. 

That's what we have been learning in our anchor passage. By this passage, we decide in advance that this is how we will treat all people, no matter what. Then we KNOW we are loving them. 

For example, if you are always patient and kind to people, then you know you are loving them. If you are never rude to people, then you are loving them. See? Easy peesy. 

The anchor passage is also a great gauge to use to see if you are truly loving people. A way to check and monitor your behavior. 

For example, was I patient today? Was I kind today? Was I easily angered today? Etc. See?

Well, Jeff, why do I care how I treat people on a given day? Because, again, we all represent Jesus. The Church represents Jesus. We want people to see and feel the love of Jesus through us. So how we treat people in love is most important. Loving people is the only way God can use us to draw people to Himself so they can be saved too. It starts with truly loving people by treating people like it says in this passage. That's why I am doing an indepth study of this passage.

So, continuing on, again, don't be rude to anyone at any time.

Next, we will do a huge study on not being "self-seeking" which is being selfish. Love is not selfish!!

Through this extended study, we are really learning how to treat all people. We are learning how to truly love all people!! So cool!! I've been enjoying it and I hope you have been too. 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Does Not Boast. It Is Not Proud" Part 2

Continuing our study in I. Cor. 13:4-7, we will look at pride. Love is not proud, so being filled with pride will prevent us from truly loving others. As we will see, pride produces quite the opposite of love.

Pride- is exaggerated self-esteem.                Conceit, arrogance, and haughtiness are associated with pride also, which will give us a clearer understanding of pride.

Conceit- is an exaggerated opinion of oneself.

Arrogance- is an offensive attitude of superiority shown by excessively confident or rudely dismissive behavior.

Haughtiness- great pride in oneself and disdain, contempt, or scorn for others.

Haughty- blatantly and disdainfully proud: having or showing an attitude of superiority and contempt for people or things perceived to be inferior.

Pride, as we see here, is being so confident of oneself that one feels superior to everyone around them, and treats everyone as inferior to them. In their own estimation, they are better than everyone else. We see this is taking healthy self-esteem and blowing it up to unhealthy proportions. How can a person filled with pride, conceit, arrogance, and haughtiness love others that, to them, are so far beneath them or inferior to them? Simply? They can't. 

As Christians, let's commit to never acting this way!! Such repulsive behavior!! Yuck!! Nobody is better than anyone else. Why? "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Rom.3:23. We're all equal. So, let's never act like that. We can't love people if we're like that.

Okay, let's look at scriptures pertaining to pride, conceit, and haughtiness.

Proverbs 6:16-19 NIV

[16] There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: [17] haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, [19] a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 11:2 NIV

[2] When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10 NIV

[10] Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Proverbs 16:5 NIV

[5] The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:18 NIV

[18] Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 21:4 NIV

[4] Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

Proverbs 28:26 NIV

[26] Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV

[8] The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Isaiah 2:17 NIV

[17] The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

Jeremiah 13:15 NIV

[15] Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken.

Jeremiah 48:29-30 NIV

[29] “We have heard of Moab’s pride— how great is her arrogance!— of her insolence, her pride, her conceit and the haughtiness of her heart. [30] I know her insolence but it is futile,” declares the Lord, “and her boasts accomplish nothing."

Matthew 6:1-4 NIV

[1]  “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2]  “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Mark 7:20-23 NIV

[20] He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. [21] For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, [22] adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. [23] All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

Luke 11:43 NIV

[43]  “Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Proverbs 3:7 NIV

[7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Proverbs 18:12 NIV

[12] Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 23:4 NIV

[4] Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

Proverbs 26:12 NIV

[12] Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Proverbs 28:11 NIV

[11] The rich are wise in their own eyes; one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 NIV

[16] Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise— why destroy yourself? [17] Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool— why die before your time? [18] It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.

Isaiah 5:21 NIV

[21] Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Romans 12:3 NIV

[3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 

Romans 12:16 NIV

[16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

[18] Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.

1 Corinthians 8:2 NIV

[2] Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 

Galatians 6:4-5 NIV

[4] Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, [5] for each one should carry their own load. 

Wow!! Great stuff. So no pride, arrogance, conceit, or haughtiness!! Let's be nice and pleasant to be around Church!! 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Does Not Boast, It Is Not Proud" Part 1

Continuing our study on how to love, how to treat all people, we find out that we should be humble and that we should NOT be prideful. Here is our anchor passage again:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

"It does not boast, it is not proud," is where we pick up at. So, let's look at humility and pride for these next 2 blog entries. Today, we will dive into humility.

Sometimes when people think about humility, they have the wrong view about it. Some have been taught that humility is looking down on yourself, having a lowly outlook on one's self. This is wrong and totally not true. 

Humility is a healthy and accurate view of who you are. Being humble as Webster defines it is "freedom from pride or arrogance." Humility doesn't brag or boast. When we are humble in life, we do not elevate ourselves above others. We do not think we are better than anyone else, but we maintain a healthy view of who we are in life. Our status, education, net worth, talents, abilities, strengths do not make us better than others. All these things show is that we all have different gifts and talents, and that each human life is unique and wonderful. Paul explained this in Romans 12:

Romans 12:3 NIV

[3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 

So, we don't brag or boast about who we are and make others feel bad about themselves, or "less than," as we are all special and unique in our own way. We have a healthy, reasonable outlook on who we are. We don't think too highly of ourselves, but we don't think too lowly of ourselves either. We maintain a normal image of ourselves based on what God has given each one of us. This is being humble. Doing this, we can treat all people with dignity and respect, because we are content and at peace with who we are. We like and accept ourselves, so we can like and accept others for who they are. We do not have to brag and boast, because we don't need the validation and approval of others. We're happy with who we are, so we can be happy with who others are. Humility is very liberating if you ask me. We can truly have "freedom from pride and arrogance."

Now, let's dive into scriptures and see what it says about humility:

Proverbs 3:33-34 NIV

[33] The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. [34] He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

Proverbs 15:33 NIV

[33] Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 16:18-19 NIV

[18] Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.

Proverbs 18:12 NIV

[12] Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 22:4 NIV

[4] Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 29:23 NIV

[23] Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Isaiah 57:15 NIV

[15] For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Matthew 5:3 NIV

[3]  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:1-4 NIV

[1] At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” [2] He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. [3] And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 9:35 NIV

[35] Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

[9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ [13]  “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ [14]  “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Proverbs 11:2 NIV

[2] When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 25:6 NIV

[6] Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;

Micah 6:8 NIV

[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Matthew 10:24 NIV

[24]  “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master."

Matthew 20:25-28 NIV

[25] Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. [26] Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [27] and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 23:8-12 NIV

[8]  “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. [9] And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. [10] Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. [11] The greatest among you will be your servant. [12] For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke 9:46-48 NIV

[46] An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. [47] Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. [48] Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”

Luke 14:7-11 NIV

[7] When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: [8] “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. [9] If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. [10] But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. [11] For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 17:7-10 NIV

[7]  “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? [8] Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? [9] Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? [10] So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"

John 13:1-17 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. [2] The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. [3] Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [6] He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” [7] Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” [8] “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” [9] “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” [10] Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” [11] For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. [12] When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. [13] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Romans 12:10 NIV

[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

Romans 12:16 NIV

[16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

1 Corinthians 1:27-31 NIV

[27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, [29] so that no one may boast before him. [30] It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-23 NIV

[18] Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; [20] and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” [21] So then, no more boasting about human leaders! All things are yours, [22] whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, [23] and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

Galatians 5:25-26 NIV

[25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Ephesians 4:2 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

[21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

[3] Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, [4] not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:5-8 NIV

[5] In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Colossians 3:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV

[17] Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. [18] Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. [19] In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

James 4:10 NIV

[10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5-7 NIV

[5] In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

We gain a clear picture through these passages about being humble before God and mankind.

Awesome stuff. Next, we will learn about pride.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "It Does Not Envy"

Today we continue our study and breakdown of our anchor passage:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Focusing on how to truly love people, which is knowing how to treat everyone, we continue to the next sentence in the passage. "It does not envy,". Love does not envy.

What is envy?

Webster's dictionary defines it as, "a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck."

It also includes jealousy- hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage.

And covetousness- marked by inordinate (excessive) desire for wealth or possessions of another.

So, if we roll all 3 together, we can see what these people are trying to explain. Simply? Envy is wanting what someone else has, whether possessions, character traits, wealth, physical qualities, or whatever. Simply? A person wants what someone else has.

It's easy to see why love can have no part with envy.

For example: If you know someone who has a big house and you wish you had it, you will never be able to truly love that person because of the resentment built up in your heart against them. You resent them because they have a big, fancy house and you don't. So you will never love them like God wants you to.

Let's explore this a bit more? Why are you envious against them? Because you are unhappy with your life. You are not happy, content, or thankful for your life. So, you desire what others have because you think it will make you happy. Maybe it's deeper than that, maybe you do not love yourself. So, you think that if you had their life, then that would help you love yourself. If you lived where they live, if you had what they had, if you looked like they look, then maybe you would love yourself.

Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you don't love yourself then you can't love others. 

Envy comes from a poor self-image. If you love yourself, are happy with yourself, and happy with where you are in life, then there is no need to want what someone else has. That makes it real simple. You have to love yourself and be happy with your life to eradicate envy from your life. When envy is gone, then you will not be selfish, always looking at your own wants and desires. You will be content with all you are and all you have and won't have to compare yourself with others. You won't have to prove yourself or have to have validation from others. You will begin to see those in your life and enjoy them. You will be able to celebrate others and be happy for others in your life. You'll be able to love others. So no envy!!!

NOTE: It is interesting here. I am learning that things that love is NOT, in the text, stems from selfishness. Things that love IS stems from a lack of selfishness. Just something to keep in mind as we move firward.

Now let's explore the scriptures:

Psalms 37:1 NIV

[1] Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.

Psalms 49:16 NIV

[16] Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;

Proverbs 3:31 NIV

[31] Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

Proverbs 14:30 NIV

[30] A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 23:17-18 NIV

[17] Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. [18] There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 24:1-2 NIV

[1] Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; [2] for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making trouble.

Proverbs 24:19-20 NIV

[19] Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, [20] for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Romans 13:12-14 NIV

[12] The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. [13] Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. [14] Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:25-26 NIV

[25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Titus 3:3-7 NIV

[3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

James 3:13-16 NIV

[13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 

Wow!! Those pack a punch!! Thank you God!!

Later we'll continue with love doesn't boast and is not proud. We'll dive deep into humility and pride.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "Love Is Kind"

Continuing our study from our anchor passage I. Cor. 13:4-7:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

We progress to the next characteristic of love, which is being kind or having kindness. So, we begin by asking, what is kindness?

Kindness-is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate according to the Oxford English dictionary. It also includes qualities of warmheartedness, goodness, and helpfulness according to the Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible. 

So, there's a lot of good stuff packed into being kind to people. Just this idea of being kind fills me with happiness. I want to be kind to people. I want to be nice to people. I want those qualities of kindness to flow out of me by the Holy Spirit working through me. 

As we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we can be friendly, generous, considerate, warmhearted, good, and helpful. This how to love people, by showing them kindness.

Now, let's dive into scriptures related to kindness:

Psalms 112:4 NIV

[4] Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.

Proverbs 19:22 NIV

[22] What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

Isaiah 58:6-7 NIV

[6] “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Romans 12:10 NIV

[10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 

2 Corinthians 6:3-6 NIV

[3] We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. [4] Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; [5] in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; [6] in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

[32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12 NIV

[12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

[5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

So, loving all people involves kindness. Again, our outflowing actions to all people regardless of how they treat us. Be kind to everyone because we represent Jesus and want them to go to heaven too.

Next, we will jump into envy!

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "Love is Patient," Part 3

 Our anchor passage, I. Cor. 13:4-7 begins with "Love is patient." We started by looking deeply into longsuffering, which is having mercy and forgiveness. Now, in part 3, we see exactly what patience is. 

Before moving forward, the anchor passage tells us how to love and treat all people that cross our paths. This our outgoing behaviors and do not rely on how they treat us. This is how we as Christians are to treat all people, regardless of how they treat us. So let's all keep that in mind as we move forward. This love is a decision on how we will treat all people and is decision-based, not feelings-based. Let's look at our anchor passage again.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

See? This is all outflowing action regardless of what the recipient does. Regardless how they treat us. So this love can truly be "unconditional love," because it is not dependent on their response. So let's keep that in mind as we move forward.

Okay, so if love is patient, what is patience?

Defined, patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry. It also involves endurance and forebearance:

Endurance- the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

Forebearance- patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance.

Simply, patience is staying under control while we go through unpleasant things in life. We endure hard or difficult situations or people with self-control and restraint. We don't get angry or fly off the handle when things do not go our way.

So, with patience, we persevere through anything and anyone. If "love is patient," then we decide to stay under control with everyone, no matter who they are or what they do. 

Why do any of this? Why not be ruled by your emotions and feelings? Because as Christians we represent Jesus to those around us. We want them to be saved and go to heaven too. The Holy Spirit inside us will help with all of this. Let's be led by the Holy Spirit and not our emotions and feelings.

Now, let's reference scriptures pertaining to patience.

Job 2:10 NIV

[10] He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Proverbs 14:29-30 NIV

[29] Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. [30] A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Proverbs 15:18 NIV

[18] A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 16:32 NIV

[32] Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV

[8] The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Lamentations 3:26 NIV

[26] it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Luke 21:19 NIV

[19] Stand firm, and you will win life.

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

[3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 12:12 NIV

[12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 

Colossians 1:9-14 NIV

[9] For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, [10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, [12] and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV

[14] And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 

2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV

[5] May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

1 Timothy 6:11 NIV

[11] But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

2 Timothy 2:24 NIV

[24] And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 

Titus 1:7-8 NIV

[7] Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. [8] Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 

Hebrews 10:36 NIV

[36] You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

James 1:2-4 NIV

[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

James 1:19-20 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

James 5:7-9 NIV

[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. [9] Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door.

1 Peter 2:20-25 NIV

[20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. [22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” [23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

2 Peter 1:3-8 NIV

[3] His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. [5] For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; [6] and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; [7] and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. [8] For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This concludes our study on being patient. Love is patient!!! Next, "love is kind." 

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "Love Is Patient" Part 2

Continuing our learning on how to truly love people, we are still under the first topic in          I. Cor. 13:4-7 which is "Love is patient." We continue on with the subtopic of patience, which is longsuffering, which is showing mercy and forgiveness to everyone. In part one we covered mercy. Now, in part 2, we'll look at all scriptures pertaining to forgiveness.

Look at this example of forgiveness exerted by Joseph. This is what it looks like to forgive someone.

Genesis 50:15-21 NIV

[15] When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” [16] So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: [17] ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. [18] His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. [19] But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. [21] So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Wow!! Awesome example. Ok moving right along.

Proverbs 19:11 NIV

[11] A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Matthew 6:14-15 NIV

[14]  For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 18:21-35 NIV

[21] Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. [23]  “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. [24] As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. [25] Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. [26]  “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ [27] The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. [28]  “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. [29]  “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ [30]  “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. [31] When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. [32]  “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. [33] Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ [34] In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. [35]  “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Mark 11:25 NIV

[25] And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” 

Luke 6:37-38 NIV

[37]  “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

*This is great because it says whatever you give, it will be given back to you in abundance. 

Luke 17:3-4 NIV

[3] So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. [4] Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

This next one shows how to forgive within the local church you go to. Build up. Always build up and restore.

2 Corinthians 2:5-8 NIV

[5] If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. [6] The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. [7] Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. [8] I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

[32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

[13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

So, there we go. When "love is patient," part of that is being longsuffering, which is being merciful and always forgiving people. In part 3, we will learn what patience is and what it looks like in the scriptures. 

See? I told ya. This is truly going to take awhile to get through all the topics of what love is that is found in our anchor passage, which is.            I. Cor. 13:4-7. Come along with me on this ride. We are learning together as we go!!

Love you dear readers,

Jeffrey Post

Diving Into Love: "Love Is Patient." Part 1

 As Christians, Jesus said the most important thing we can do is to love God and love people.

Matthew 22:34-40 NIV

[34] Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. [35] One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: [36] “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” [37] Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Everything else hinges on these two commands. So lets start diving deep into how we go about loving people that are all around us.

This will take quite a few blog entries as the Bible has so much to say about how we love and treat people. We represent Jesus, so we need to learn how to love people. This is a learning process for me too. So, lets learn together as I study. Together we can see what God thinks about the subject and apply it to our lives. 

So, let's begin. The key text by which everything branches out from is I. Corinthians 13:4-7. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

[4] Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [6] Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [7] It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

That is a quick look at how love treats people. How we are to treat all mankind. 

Today, let's look at patience. Here is the official definition of patience:

Patience-n. the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

Are you already saying, "Oh crap!!" LOL!

Under the topic of patience, longsuffering is a subtopic. If we are to be patient with people, then we must be longsuffering with people. 

Longsuffering means that we show mercy and forgiveness to all people, no matter who they are or what they do. Let's look at scriptures concerning longsuffering:

Matthew 5:40 NIV

[40] And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

Luke 17:4 NIV

[4] Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Ephesians 4:2 NIV

[2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

Colossians 3:12-13 NIV

[12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

Remember, we are learning how to love and interact with all people. So, within the subtopic of longsuffering, we are going to look at all scripture regarding mercy and forgiveness. Today we'll start with mercy.

Lets look at some examples of mercy.

2 Samuel 19:16-23 NIV

[16] Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David. [17] With him were a thousand Benjamites, along with Ziba, the steward of Saul’s household, and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed to the Jordan, where the king was. [18] They crossed at the ford to take the king’s household over and to do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king [19] and said to him, “May my lord not hold me guilty. Do not remember how your servant did wrong on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king put it out of his mind. [20] For I your servant know that I have sinned, but today I have come here as the first from the tribes of Joseph to come down and meet my lord the king.” [21] Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said, “Shouldn’t Shimei be put to death for this? He cursed the Lord’s anointed.” [22] David replied, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? What right do you have to interfere? Should anyone be put to death in Israel today? Don’t I know that today I am king over Israel?” [23] So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king promised him on oath.

2 Samuel 21:7 NIV

[7] The king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the Lord between David and Jonathan son of Saul. 

1 Kings 2:26 NIV

[26] To Abiathar the priest the king said, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign Lord before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships.” 

These are examples of how King David and King Solomon showed mercy to people. Here's 2 more examples:

Jeremiah 38:10 NIV

[10] Then the king commanded Ebed-Melek the Cushite, “Take thirty men from here with you and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.”

Luke 10:25-37 NIV

[25] On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [26]  “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” [27] He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” [28]  “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” [29] But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [30] In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. [31] A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. [34] He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. [35] The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ [36]  “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise."

We can see and feel the mercy shown to the people in these passages. Now, let's look at all the scriptures where mercy is commanded:

Exodus 22:25-27 NIV

[25] “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. [26] If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, [27] because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

Proverbs 3:3 NIV

[3] Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 11:17 NIV

[17] Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

Proverbs 14:21 NIV

[21] It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.

Proverbs 14:31 NIV

[31] Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Proverbs 20:28 NIV

[28] Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.

Isaiah 16:5a. NIV

[5] In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— 

Hosea 12:6 NIV

[6] But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.

Micah 6:8 NIV

[8] He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV

[9] “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. [10] Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

Matthew 5:7 NIV

[7]  Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 7:1-2 NIV

[1]  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:36 NIV

[36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

James 2:12-13 NIV

[12] Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 3:17 NIV

[17] But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

So being patient with people we will be longsuffering with them. Being longsuffering with them we will be merciful to them. 

So that's where we begin. Love is patient which is longsuffering, which is merciful to all people.

God shows us mercy everyday. So, let's show mercy to those around us from now on.

Love you all dear readers,

Jeffrey Post