The Plumbline

Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (Matthew 5:11-12 MSG) If you have ever felt like you were under a bit of a 'persecutory attack' from someone, you might have felt like they didn't like you, your message, or your lifestyle. Something just got their dander up and they found fault with whatever it was, and you were taking the brunt of their harsh, hurtful words or deeds. Jesus told his disciples they should count themselves blessed when people put them down or even if they spoke lies in an attempt to discredit the testimony of the disciples. I don't know about you, but whe...

So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-10 MSG) Flourishing love is evident in all our actions - not just some of them, when the urge strikes, towards the individuals we find 'worthy' of that love. Loving 'appropriately' means that we don't let our feelings determine who we love or when we reveal love's actions toward anyone. Feelings get the best of us many times and we stop short of expressing true love in humility and kindness just because we didn't 'feel like it' at that moment. Jesus reminds us that love conquers our fee...