Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sun, 19 Aug 2007 16:35:50 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Aug. 20); BP: Jude; RBTTY: I Cor. 3; Ps. 105-106
August 20 On Making A Difference
And of some have compassion, making a
difference.
Jude 22
It only takes a little effort, but it could make an eternal impact.
Kindness.
It seems its becoming a scarce commodity nowadays in this dog-eat-dog,
I Did It My Way world of ours: People cutting in front of us in line or
cutting us off on the highway. . .acting put-out when we ask them for the
time or directions. . .forgetting to say Thank you when someones done
something for them. . .acting like I deserve a break today just because of
who they are, etc.
But, we dont have to give back in kind, do we, Pilgrim?
No, not at all. Todays Manna reminds us of our righteous, reciprocal
response and how our showing compassion can really make a difference in
someone elses life. And, itll certainly make a difference in ours!
Jude, the shortest book in the Bible along with Philemon, may be small
in size, but gigantic in truth. Although theres debate as to the authors
identity, most scholars conclude he was one of Jesus brothers (Mt. 13:55;
Mk. 6:3) and James was his older brother. Regardless, his message is
succinct and straightforward: Fight! Contend! Give it all youve
got!for apostasy and false teachings were rampant and true, born-again
Christians can ill-afford to sit around, doing nothing when evil is raging.
In instructing his readers (and us) on how to recognize false teachings
and their false doctrine (vv.1-16), he also laid out the type of life that
every believer should live (vv.17-23). We shouldnt be surprised that this
included building ourselves up in our most holy faith, praying in the Holy
Spirit, keeping ourselves in the love of God and looking for Christs mercy
(vv.20-21).
And, then he inserts todays Manna: And on some, show compassion
(Grk. eleeoto have pity on, show mercy toward, etc.), making a
difference. Who were these ones on whom were to show compassion? Our
fellow believers? Most certainly; however, in the context, its clear hes
talking about those who are doubters and distracters.
Not easy to do, is it, Pilgrim? Not hardly.
Its easy to show kindness to someone whos shown it to us or on
someone whos down-and-out and unable to help themselves. However, its
another thing to be compassionate toward someone whos raked us over the
coals with their words. . . gossiped about us behind our back. . .and gone
out-of-the-way to try and make us miserable.
But, thats exactly what Jesus said to do, isnt it (Mt. 5:10-12)?
And, if were to truly be blessed and learn how to rejoice and leap for
joy in times like that (Lk. 6:22-23), weve got to pray Oh, Lord Jesus,
help me today to have a heart like yours so others can see You in me. Only
then will we know our lives are making a difference.
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