Week 396

Positive post Sunday, September 29, 2024…. Week 396.  Maybe it comes with age and experience or through surviving multiple life-threatening experiences, but I have such clarity in my life now.  My spiritual mission is to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart and soul in preparation for, and with great anticipation of everlasting life.  As a devoted believer, when I think of everlasting life, it frees my soul, reduces my stress, guides my decision making, and fills me with joy and peace.  It helps me remain focused on and guided by my savior Jesus Christ, living a life pleasing to Him. 

You may have heard the saying, “live your life with the end in mind”.  This may have different meanings to each of us, but for me it reminds me to live a life of love, compassion, service, and forgiveness because in the end that’s what is pleasing to my Lord.  

You may have also heard the song, “Live like you were dying” by Tim McGraw.  Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9TShlMkQnc.  I don’t know that I would go Skydiving, Rocky Mountain climbing or 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu (I’ve had enough adventure cycling!), but I certainly try to love deeper, speak sweeter, forgive more, and read the good book!!

As we journey through life, there comes a point when clarity and purpose become more pronounced, and we embrace love, compassion, service, and forgiveness.  For me, this came, not only with age, but more pronounced through my near-death experiences, which have reminded me that life is short and helped me focus on what truly matters, serving my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  That being said, I humbly acknowledge that, as a sinner, I often fall short of my spiritual mission, but I remain committed to, as we say in the business world, continuous improvement. 

Below are brief biblical references on Love, Compassion, Service and Forgiveness, references and attributes that are timeless and certainly relevant, and sorely needed in our current world fraught with confusion and division.

LOVE
Our Lord’s teachings emphasize love as the cornerstone of a fulfilling life.  John 13:34-35 is a perfect example: (34) “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another, (35) This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

Love, in this context, transcends mere emotion. It is an active commitment to the well-being of others, fostering genuine connections and empathy. By loving others, we reflect the divine love that Jesus exemplified, creating a ripple effect that can transform our communities and the world.

COMPASSION
Compassion is a path to understanding, the ability to empathize with others, to feel their pain and joy as if it were our own. Jesus demonstrated compassion throughout His ministry, healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, and offering hope to the marginalized. In Matthew 9:36, it is written, “At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.” 

Living with compassion means opening our hearts to the struggles of others and responding with kindness and support. It is through compassion that we build bridges of understanding and create a more inclusive and loving world.  Speaking of building bridges reminds me of Bridge of Grace, where our vision includes building bridges by creating intergenerational experiences that promote understanding, empathy and connections between youth and seniors.  Here’s the link to our website: www.bridgeofgrace.org.

SERVICE
Service is living beyond ourselves, a tangible expression of love and compassion. Jesus taught us to serve others selflessly.  As written in Matthew 20:28: “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”, Service can take many forms, from small acts of kindness to significant sacrifices for the greater good.

When we serve others, we embody the teachings of Jesus and contribute to the betterment of society. Service allows us to live beyond ourselves, finding purpose and fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness, the path to healing and redemption, is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, (14) “If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. (15) But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”  Forgiveness is not just about absolving others; it is a pathway to personal healing and spiritual growth.

Holding onto grudges and resentment can weigh heavily on our hearts. By forgiving others, we release this burden and open ourselves to peace and reconciliation. Forgiveness allows us to move forward, free from the chains of past hurts, and embrace a future filled with hope and love.

Guided by faith and eternal life, living with the end in mind means recognizing that our time on earth is finite and that our actions have eternal significance. For those like me who are guided by faith in Jesus Christ, this perspective brings a profound sense of purpose and direction. It encourages us to live each day with intentionality, focusing on what truly matters: love, compassion, service, and forgiveness.

No need to go skydiving, Rocky Mountain climbing or 2.7 seconds on Fu Man Chu, as we navigate the complexities of life, we just need to hold fast to these principles, allowing them to shape our actions and interactions. By doing so, we not only honor the teachings of Jesus but also create a legacy of love and kindness that will endure beyond our lifetime.

How are you living your life in anticipation of the joy and peace of everlasting life?

How are you living a life filled with love, compassion, service, and forgiveness?