When
the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to
Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered
a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the
people did not receive him, because his face was set toward
Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said,
“Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and
consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to
another village.” Luke 9:51-56
Jesus' message is good news, which he shared and preached with love and patience. He forgave and ate with sinners who society had rejected, he touched the unclean and gave hope to the hopeless. We Christians who know how good God is, can get very offended and angry with people who hate our Lord who we have every reason to love. Jesus however, does not lose patience so easily. When James and John wanted to call down curses Jesus rebuked them. Jesus knew that kindness, love, and the Holy Spirit draw people to faith, and that revenge and resentment have no place in a Christian's heart.
Challenge: Who makes you really mad? This could be a sibling, a political movement, an author, or anyone else. Take a moment to remember that Jesus died for their sin too; Jesus loves them as much as he loves you, and you are just as in need of forgiveness as they are. Let go of anger and resentment and allow God's love for you, and for them, to replace your hurt.
Jesus' message is good news, which he shared and preached with love and patience. He forgave and ate with sinners who society had rejected, he touched the unclean and gave hope to the hopeless. We Christians who know how good God is, can get very offended and angry with people who hate our Lord who we have every reason to love. Jesus however, does not lose patience so easily. When James and John wanted to call down curses Jesus rebuked them. Jesus knew that kindness, love, and the Holy Spirit draw people to faith, and that revenge and resentment have no place in a Christian's heart.
Challenge: Who makes you really mad? This could be a sibling, a political movement, an author, or anyone else. Take a moment to remember that Jesus died for their sin too; Jesus loves them as much as he loves you, and you are just as in need of forgiveness as they are. Let go of anger and resentment and allow God's love for you, and for them, to replace your hurt.
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