Posted by Dena on April 25, 2005, at 20:05:18
In reply to Lou's response to Dena's post » Dena, posted by Lou Pilder on April 25, 2005, at 17:19:51
Jesus had no patience for people who thought they were better than others... who made "reaching God" more difficult than it needed to be ... who pointed fingers at others, rather than examining their own hearts...
He rebuked them (better word that "condemned" - sorry I used it) for their self-righteousness, and their contempt for others...
These people, who can be found in almost any group, regardless of the "label" they wear, do not please God, who is, ultimately, all about love.
He summed up all of the law by boiling it down into two commandments:
- Love God with everything about you; and
- Love others as yourselves.
He continues to teach that to His followers (Ghandi understood this, better than many who call themselves "Christians"), and continues to rebuke those who consider themselves better than others...
... but sometimes, we don't listen very well.
For far too many years, I was one of those worthy of being rebuked. I considered myself as "superior" to others, thinking myself to be an "insider", and others to be "outsiders". I looked down on others with different beliefs.
I'm ashamed of this. I've asked Him to teach me about love.
Shalom, Dena
poster:Dena
thread:487466
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20050312/msgs/489444.html