“Act justly! Love mercy! Walk humbly!”

Every expression of justice should be tempered with mercy. Every expression of mercy should not ignore setting things right. Humility is the glue that holds these two precious expressions in balance and satisfies the demands of both. Seek to right what is wrong, but always seek it in the right way which is to say seek it mercifully and humbly. 

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6 Conversations Within” ts 6/4/2020

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King

Anytime we seek justice, we can seek it in a manner that is good and right for all parties involved. Revenge hardly measures up to a justice that seeks what is best for the oppressor as well as the oppressed. We do not serve the oppressed by fueling the fire of hatred against those who would oppress them, but by showing them the Christlike power of love that overcomes it. 

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression…”  Is.1.17 Conversations Within” ts 6/3/2020

Unforgivable? I truly hope not!

I recently saw one comment about the horrible injustice reported in the news that pointedly said, “Unforgivable!” My first thought was, “I hope not.” The reason is simple. I want and need God’s forgiveness for my own transgressions. I am grateful that we have a God who freely offers forgiveness anytime someone repents. When I witness all the terrible things done in this world, my prayer is not for “fire to fall from Heaven” but for kindness to lead people to repent of their sins. 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/2/2020 Conversations Within” ts 6/2/2020 

Am I really a peacemaker?

The peace that Christ desires is fought for and found  first on the battlefield of our own heart. Every single prejudice must be conquered, even prejudice against the prejudiced. Love everyone without distinction. Remind me again Lord, that everyone is every single one! When I cry for justice let me take care that I am ready for it in my own life. Am I ready to love even my enemies, especially my enemies. 

“But I tell you, love your enemies....that you may be children of your Father in heaven... If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 6/1/2020

“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next.” C. S. Lewis

 I can understand why people question the relevance of a Christian faith that speaks only of Heaven and the afterlife. I think most people are concerned about life in the here and now and want a faith that addresses everyday matters. But there does not need to be friction between a faith that focuses on both, especially when our vision and hope  of Heaven inspires us to bring it to earth in all our daily interactions.

“Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 5/23/2020