SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, the celebrations continue apace up here in Canada, with Prince William and his blushing bride Princess Kate, on their first royal tour, enjoying the festivities in the nation’s capital of Ottawa. No doubt the celebrations in the U.S are just gearing up too for their Independence Day get-together on Monday. But as we cautioned yesterday, and will do again today; please be careful, don’t overdo it, don’t give the enemy the slightest chance to make inroads into our spirits. Remember, drunk or sober, mind yuh business. And having warned about Lucifer’s infiltration if we let down our guard, we must also consider the other side of the equation; that of doing service well-pleasing to God, which we have abundant opportunity to do in these rough and trying times. Now not everybody will be celebrating this weekend in North America. In fact the hunger, poverty, homelessness and lack of jobs are so rife in two of the world’s richest countries it’s both shocking and deplorable. The sad part is that many are suffering through no fault of their own, and as believers it is our bounden duty to help them in whatever way we can. Hence the challenge from the author of Hebrews in our Bit: ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue.’ And that’s how it ought to be at all times! Oh my brethren, it’s a short, simple, but very powerful and meaningful statement, especially for believers. We are a part of Christ’s spiritual family, and Christ is the epitome of LOVE. He showed this by sacrificing Himself on the cross for us. He could have saved Himself, but doing that would have meant He couldn’t save us. However, He chose to give up everything, so that we could have everything, that we could live forever. Now if we are a part of His family, and the essence of Jesus is LOVE, then it behoves us to also live in LOVE, and share whatever we have with the same LOVING, selfless, generous attitude that Jesus showed  by dying to reconcile us to God, so that we can receive salvation and eternal life. Unfortunately though, the act of brotherly LOVE in this evil, ungodly world is currently at very low ebb, and that includes believers. It falls very short of where it should be amongst Christ’s family. We talk a good talk on it, but our walk leaves a lot to be desired. Individually and collectively we pay too much lip service to the idea, and not enough practical application. And with all the divisions and dissensions within the Church taking up so much of our time, energy and resources, we can never do a proper job of showing brotherly LOVE, because negativity isn’t conducive to practicing LOVE. That’s why Bruh Paul warned the Roman church so extensively, breaking it right down to the lowest denominations. Now since we seem to need a refresher course in brotherly LOVE, I’ll reprint Bruh Paul’s words, so that we can get reacquainted with them, and hopefully, that will improve our LOVE quotient. Here goes: ‘Let LOVE be without dissimulation (hypocrisy). Abhor that which is evil; cleave (cling) to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned (affectionate) one to another with brotherly LOVE; in honour preferring (giving preference to) one another. Not slothful in business (lagging in diligence); fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly) in prayer. Distributing to the necessity (needs) of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one to another. Mind not (do not set your mind on) high things, but condescend to men of low estate (associate with the humble). Be not wise in your own conceits (estimation). Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Have regard for good things). If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceable with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: For in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom.12:9-21) And there we have it Friends, the basics of Brotherly LOVE 101! Now let’s go out and put it to better application than we’ve been doing thus far, so that we can show that the LOVE of Christ truly abides and resides within His earthly family, the Church. Much LOVE!…talk is cheap…but actions bear a price…are you willing to pay it…for Jesus…