Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Romans 13:7-9, NIV)
Have you ever met someone who felt that they could only be devoted to one person and that person alone? They felt like the one they were devoted to was the “one true god” even if that is not what they proclaim with their mouth.
Jesus came to die and forgive us for our sins, however, that is not all he came to accomplish. Yes, as pastor said, he came to destroy the work of the devil. Now the devil is not dead, but Jesus took back from him the keys of death, hell and the grave. That means he cannot kill or destroy at will, not all are doomed to hell, and greatest of all, as Christ has risen, so will we. Christ has unlocked the grave and from it has brought life.
Now just because we are forgiven, does not mean that we are released from earthly debt. Christ through Paul proclaims that we should pay our taxes, and debts of all kind and fashion. The greatest debt we owe is to love one another in truth and from our heart. Honor one another above our own expectations.
Who is our neighbor? Everyone we come in contact with even if it is just for 1 minute. Holding a door or helping someone with directions or just saying a kind word is esteeming others, and for some making go out of their comfort zone.
It is like when we go to church and never say hello to anyone, never pray, but just soak it up for ourselves (though we may do that for a period of time) it is like taking our treasure that God gave us and burying it in the ground. The gifts God has given us are to be used in the church for the encouragement of the saints and the up building of those who are literally teetering between life and death.
Someone might need our love, yes your love. You can never go wrong saying something kind and positive to the ones you meet. You can say “You know I’m so glad you came today!” You could say “Hello, my name is _______ and what is yours?”
Not only that - if it is a nice day, say, “Hey, we are going to take lunch at the park, do you want to go with us?” Or whatever God lays on your heart.
If our church seems cliquish, what’s wrong with starting a clique of the uncliqued? Come on… let’s get clicking!
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