Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV
Do Good To One Another
An online article for newcomers to Canada speaks to Canada’s often unspoken rules about getting along with our neighbours. One thing it says is this: “One of the best things about Canadian communities is how people step up during tough times. Maybe it’s helping an elderly neighbour with their snow shoveling, grabbing groceries for someone who’s sick, or checking on folks during a power outage. These don’t have to be big gestures—sometimes just letting someone know you’re around if they need anything means the world to them.”
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The other day we received an emergency prayer request from our African Director. A Bible League Canada sponsored church planter training group had been meeting together in a country that has long been plagued by violence and inter-tribal warfare. The theme of the training was on forgiveness and God moved in a powerful way – those present understood the power of forgiveness. Just as they were wrapping up their time together, news came from a nearby village reporting that very day everyone in the village had been killed as two long-warring groups, unable to forgive, had fought to the demise of the entire population. This may mark the world, but it must not mark the Church of Jesus Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul writes this: “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” This is the heart of the Christian Gospel. Because of our sin and selfishness, every human being has been at war with our Creator. Through Jesus, He has offered forgiveness and reconciliation. Those of us who have been forgiven must forgive.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley