What do people see in you? Bible study on discipleship. I was recently reminded that we are all related to one another. Every man and woman of every race and cultural background are related. We are all brothers and sisters in the vast sea of humanity. If I were able to trace my entire genealogy to the beginning of time, I would find that I was related to my wife before marriage. And, I would find that I am related to Jesus, Abraham, and Noah. My genealogy would end with Adam and Eve as my great . . . grandparents. Now think about this for a minute. I am related to you - whoever you are. And you are related to me. Look out a window, walk down the street, or go to a public place. As you see people, say to yourself: We are related. The fact that I am related to every person that is, has been, or will live on the face of this earth brings to mind profound thoughts concerning my relationship to humanity. Philanthropy comes from the greek word philanthropia (phileo + anthropos) which means love for man. Paul uses this word in Titus 3:4-7 saying: But when the kindness and the love (philanthropia) of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. God loves everyone. Paul tells Timothy that God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). And Peter says that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). Regarding disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to imitate Gods love for mankind. Jesus says: You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:43-48). Jesus further teaches that we are known by our fruits. Only those deeply devoted to God can overcome fleshly desires of vengeance, prejudice, greed, and pride. Only those who put God first and self last may live a life of eternal sacrifice to the good of all men from pure motives. Now my thoughts turn to myself. What do those round about see in me? Do they see God and His love for humanity? Or, do they see a person concerned with self? Now think about yourself: What do people see in you? God loves everyone - do you?
Posted on: Wed, 16 Oct 2013 08:56:39 +0000
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