Through the experience of death

“Jesus, through the experience of death, he fully experienced death in every persons place.”

-Adapted from Hebrews 2:5-9 MSG

So, why did Jesus go through so much pain?

Here’s why:  In order that you and I might LIVE, LOVE, and LAUGH.

Therefore, let’s make sure that we are living in accordance with His death, (which equals LIFE),  and stop living in accordance with the world, (which equals DEATH).  Yes, let’s start living like we are truly, truly living ~ friends, Jesus died so we could do so.

Don't discredit anyone in your life

"...That stone the masons threw out 
is now the cornerstone..."

Mark 12:9-11 MSG

Jesus gives us fair warning:  No one, absolutely no one, that comes into our lives should be discredited, (yes, even evil ones, for even when a vile, evil, person(s) comes into our lives, we can give all the credit to Satan, and know to move on and stay away - let God deal with them).  As well, we must remember we are no better than anyone, whether we think of them as important or not!  Everyone is important!! 
So, acknowledge each and every person that you come across, you never know, they may be the blessing Jesus is sending to bring you closer to the desires of your heart, or they may be the one you end up needing help from when you are at wits end!



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Cut others some slack

“And should not I spark Nineveh… in which there are more than 120,000 persons not [yet old enough to] know their right hand from their left…?” Jonah 4:11 AMP

There was a point in your life when you had no idea of the hurt and pain you caused others to experience, or caused yourself to experience, correct?  However, when you came to know God on an intimate level, you realized that if it wasn’t for His pouring of mercy and grace,  your days would have, and should have, been numbered a long time ago.  Well, don’t you think that others deserve that same chance?  So many people don’t know Christ, and we need to cut some slack at times.  Instead of reacting with anger, and coldness, our duty is to pray for, and be an example for them; guide them, and love them.  Yes, it is very difficult to do, but I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that if we are generous with our grace and mercy, then God will continually pour more of His grace and mercy over us, (and we can all use more of that!).

I truly believe that whatever attitudes and mannerisms we share with others, will be doubly shared right back to us - good and/or bad.  So, make sure what you are sharing of yourself is what you want shared back with you. Not only will it help your relationship grow with God, it will also help your current relationships strengthen, become more loving, and the world around you in general will be a more beautiful and brighter place for you to live.