Sometimes You've Gotta Hold a Dead Cat

John 13:34 English Standard Version (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Luke 6:31 English Standard Version (ESV)

31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

I answered the knock and my door this morning and there stood our tearful  neighbor boy, just 12 years old, asking if he could borrow my phone.  He was afraid his cat had just died.  I made a quick call to bring my husband home then handed the phone over to him, while I got my shoes.   Then I followed him across the street and sat on his front steps while he went inside to get his cat.  He brought him out, wrapped in a towel, and reverently laid him in my arms.  So I held his cat, cooed and stroked its body, and closed its eyes for the boy.  With him crying beside me, we waited for my husband and his grandmother to arrive. 

Sometimes, loving your neighbor means you've got to hold his dead cat.  As I write this, tears are coming to my own eyes, for the honor and privilege of being there for this boy.  It truly is the greatest commandment.

Called to Love

2 Corinthians 5:20  New International Version (NIV)

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Mark 12:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”

2 Timothy 1:7 Living Bible (TLB)

7 For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

Since terrorism has been in the news this Easter week, I've been thinking about a Christian's role in these world events.  It is hard to love a neighbor that frightens you, but God has placed us here to do so.  Like refugees the redeemed are not home yet; but, until that day, we are to represent Christ on earth.  I confess that I do a poor job of it.  I'm not sure that I love well my near neighbors let alone my far ones, so I look to Jesus to be my help.   We have not been called to fear but to love.  
Jesus, Guide us by your wisdom and help us to love.

All Ye Refugees - Sandra McCracken

Yes, Fence Me In

1 Corinthians 10:23 English Standard Version (ESV)

Do All to the Glory of God

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

James 1:13 King James Version (KJV)

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Romans 13:10 King James Version (KJV)

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Mark 12:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”

Because I too often let my curiosity turn me into a busybody I need to read what God says about it.  If He wants to fence me in, He has good reason.