Today’s thought “Darker days, presents and Love for others” (December 13)

Yesterday we mentioned the difficulties that we, Christadelphians, but also the Jeshuaists and Jews may experience in Belgium and France, and how we must always respond positively to that resistance. We must, above all, avoid the negativeness towards us through our positive, loving attitude.

As Christadelphians, like Jeshuaists, are real Christians, or followers of Christ Jesus, the Nazarene Master teacher who always had an ear and an eye for others. We always should remember how this humble man showed his love for those around him, and especially for the meek, the poor, the weak and outcasts of society. The apostle Paul also asked his fellow believers in Christ to never let their brotherly love fail. He also asked his fellow brethren not to refuse to extend their hospitality to strangers. He went so far to ask them to think constantly of those in prison as if they were prisoners at their side. He also asked to think too of all who suffer as if we shared their pain. (Hebrews 13:1-3)

The days are shortening. Facing the early darkness lots of people shut the doors early behind them and stay in their little cocoon. But many also start preparing for the many feasts which shall be soon here. 24-25 December, 30 December and January the 1st, are days lots of people shall invite others and share presents.

Several Christians claim to be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but they use a lot of heathen elements and have the pagan Santa Claus coming along to have a lot of presents underneath the Christmas tree. Though they do not take much time to think about the most precious present or Gift given to the world, namely that sent one from God, the Immanuel, who brought salvation by putting his own will aside and doing the Will of his heavenly Father, the God of Israel.
They also do not think much of the God of peace, who brought back from the dead that great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, by the blood of the everlasting agreement. Though we should take enough time to think about that good shepherd who ordered his followers to take up many tasks. As such we should equip ourselves thoroughly for the doing of his will and for doing the Will of his heavenly Father (like he did). We can only hope that this heavenly Father of Christ, the Only One True God, may effect in us everything that pleases Him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

The coming days, let us treat all people around us like it should. But those days of many gatherings let us show to the rest of the world that we are all of one mind, sympathizing with each other, loving each other as brethren and sisters. Our tender-heartedness should not be for a selected few, but we should be open-minded for and helpful to many, always keeping a humble attitude. (1 Peter 3:8)

In the world we can find lots of people who love and advertise to repay evil for evil. We should talk to them and prove them wrong. We should not retaliate with insults when people insult us. Instead, we have to pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called us to do, and He will grant us His blessing. (1 Peter 3:9) For the Scriptures say,

10 … He that would love life,
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips that they speak no guile:
¹¹And let him turn away from evil, and do good;
Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
¹²For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
And his ears unto their supplication: (1 Peter 3:10-12 ASV)

Let us be sure, that even when we may come to face more difficult times we shall have the Most Almighty Warrior (Gibbor) looking at us and being prepared to come to help us.

In this world where so many love money and want to gather as much material goods as possible let us go for the better and spiritual things with the aim and knowledge to be:

⁵^…free from the love of money; content with such things as we have: for (Jesus) himself has said, ^[b]

I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5 ASV)

Preceding

Today’s thought “About our attitude opposite others” (December 12)

Do Christadelphians belong to Protestantism

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