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 The Cornerstone 

This is the Stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the Chief Conerstone." Acts 4:11

Pulbished to Support the Work of the West End Church of Christ, Richmond, Virginia

Volume 6 *   Number 12*   March 19,  2006

 

"Genuine Care of a Good Neighbor"

A wonderful parable is told by Jesus when He was asked "Who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29-37) It is a parable of one man’s tremendous act of kindness, which demonstrated his genuine care for another human being. How did he care?

He did not pass by the wounded the wounded man, but instead had compassion upon him. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him," verse 33

He bound up the man’s wounds using his own goods. "And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, verse 34a

He gave up his own beast. "set him on his own beast" vs. 34b

He took him to an inn and took care of him. "brought him to an inn, and took care of him." verse 34c

He gave up his time as he too spent the night. "And on the morrow when he departed, verse 35a

He used his own money. "he took out two pence, and gave them to the host" verse 35b

He made sure he had continued care. "he said unto him, Take care of him" verse 35c

He bore the whole financial responsibility. "and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee." verse 35d

This parable truly demonstrates what it means to be a good neighbor through acts of kindness, compassion and genuine care. We would be wise to be good neighbors for this is what it takes to inherit eternal life. Luke 10:25

Stacy Crim

 

Avoiding Bitterness

Greg Gwin

Though it is seldom mentioned, bitterness is a real issue in the lives of many Christians. Those who harbor bitterness are:

1. disobeying God

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31,32)

2. and, hurting themselves and others.

"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled." (Hebrews 12:15 - NASV)

Past offenses (both real and imagined) can lead to this spiritually unhealthy condition. Here are some suggestions to help avoid bitterness:

1. Remember that, even though others may have done wrong, you are not perfect either. Would you want others to react to your faults the same way you are reacting to theirs? (Matthew 7:12)

2. Often bitterness results from thinking to highly of yourself. In truth, even when you have suffered minor slights and hurts, you still are receiving more and better things than you deserve (Romans 12:3). Instead of an inflated self-image, you should "in lowliness of mind . . esteem others better than (your)self." (Philippians 2:3)

3. Your faithful friends and brethren are continually doing good for you. Concentrate on these positive things rather than the negative ones that produce bitterness in the heart.

4. Develop a more forgiving spirit. Never forget that your own forgiveness from God depends upon your willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14,15). Also, keep in mind how many times you have needed forgiveness – both by God and man.

The Electronic Beacon 3/14/06 &

 

A Forgiving Spirit

by Gene Taylor

There is no more important characteristic found in the human heart than forgiveness. It's importance is seen in the home, church, community and nation. Someone has said there are "three kindred spirits in the heart -- giving, thanksgiving and forgiving. Usually where one is found, all are found." A forgiving heart is an essential quality every child of God should have (Eph. 4:32).

Reasons To Be Forgiving

God commands it (Mark 11:25). This should be sufficient reason for any right-thinking person to be forgiving because God's promises rest upon obedience to His word. But forgiveness on mere obedience to command usually falls short of what it should be. Anything done out of a sense of duty or necessity is usually not from the heart (cf. 2 Cor. 9:5-7). Consider the parent who makes the child say "I'm sorry" when, in reality, he is not sorry at all. He says it but only to appease his parent.

The example of Jesus (I Pet. 2:21; Phil. 2:3-5; Luke 23:34). As our example in all things, He would not require of us that which He would not do Himself. Even when His life was taken from Him, He had a forgiving attitude. It is said of Him, "He gave all, then forgave."

We have been forgiven. God, in Christ, has forgiven the sins of the Christian (Eph. 4:32). As Christ has forgiven him, he is to forgive others (Col. 3:13). One who is unwilling to forgive after he has been forgiven is viewed disdainfully by the God of heaven (Matt. 18:21-35).

In order to have future forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).

What It Means To Forgive

Forgiveness is more than just speaking the words. It must be sincere and from the heart. It must be patterned after the forgiveness God has granted to us. It must be accompanied by actions which befit true forgiveness.

Forgiveness involves a kind attitude -- abandoning all animosity and hatred. All bitterness, anger, wrath, clamor and evil speaking should be put away (Eph. 4:31). We can hold no grudges. One must deny the impulse to get even and seek to do the forgiven one good.

Forgiveness involves forgetting (Heb. 8:12), but what does it mean to forget? It is impossible for a person to completely obliterate the wrong from his mind. Rather it means to not hold the person accountable for it anymore. When forgiveness is granted that should end the matter. It should never again be dredged up or held against the one who has been forgiven.

Forgiveness should be given by the "golden rule" (Matt. 7:12).

One should always be willing to forgive -- even at repeated offenses. Matthew 18:21-22 has the apostle Peter asking, "'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'"

Jesus was willing to forgive those who crucified Him, but they were not forgiven until they acknowledged their wrong and repented of it (Luke 23:34; Acts 2:36-39). When one refuses to repent, he is to be regarded as a "heathen and a tax collector to you" (Matt. 18:15-17).

 

 

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