If you know you only had two days to live, what would be your final preparation? Would you be preoccupied with your impending demise or would the time be spent reinforcing some critical principle in your child/ward? Would you be busy putting your affairs in order or would you find the time to help somebody? Death is the only thing that’s certain in this life. The Bible teaches that the living know that they will die. Yet, not many made preparation for death.

God loved us when we were alienated from Him. He loved us when we were good, when we do the things we should. He loved us when we were bad, even though it makes Him sad. God loves us unconditionally. He knew us, yet He loved us! No one is always good, yet that does not change the way He feels about us. He does not employ the ‘an eye for an eye’ method of exerting revenge. No, He does not revenge, but in loving kindness He draws us to Himself. He loves unconditionally. We are called to emulate Him even in knowing, yet loving.

The love of God never ceases to amaze me! His love is so stubborn and relentless. His love knows no measure. His love found a way to reconcile mankind to Himself! He turned away His own wrath by sacrificing His own Son, Jesus!! Isn’t that amazing? And what’s even more amazing is that Jesus Himself loves us just as much, and is ready and willing to forgive us of our sins. Jesus did not delegate this responsibility to humans – the responsibility to forgive sins. He is our High Priest. He encouraged us not to sin but just in case we did, He was our advocate with Father God. We are only required to confess our faults to each other!

We must break the cycle of verbally abusing each other in our speech. It’s all around us. It is a common practice among all – even those we thought should do better have been caught in this web of deceit. Let us slow down a bit to choose our words well, and to listen to the words of others and be deliberate in our utterances. If we all continue to bite and devour each other, the cycle will not end.

There is an abiding peace when you obey out of love. Love God supremely and allow Him to love others through. Love others not because they are good but because they are God's child.

I am still thankful for God’s continued blessings over my life even today. As I reflected on the past, there’s no room to boast; but, I lift my voice in thanksgiving for all His mercies toward me, and look for opportunities to share the gospel to the poor. It was His love that lifted me and it is His love that has lifted or will lift you. No matter our station in life, we can all be a blessing to others. Let us avail ourselves as His instruments through which others (and the poor) can be blessed. He lifted me – He will carry you!!

The work of God will not progress when there is so much strife among His people. We undermine our unity when we harbor envy, jealousy, malice and pride. From the head to the toes, God’s people need to come together, confessing our faults one to another, that we can be healed and the work progress. We have accomplished so much in our present state. What if we were fully united? We would be Home already enjoying everlasting peace!

Jesus taught that if you look lustily on the opposite gender, you have already committed adultery in the heart – a very private act known only by you. He also taught that we should not covet our neighbors’ spouse. Lusting and coveting go together and will eventually be revealed in public action. What’s happening now is a total disregard for God’s commands. For the love of money, pleasure, or whatever the want (not need): many by their actions are causing such great confusion on this earth.

When you repay insult with a blessing, you are gaining the victory: over the devil – he cannot gain a foothold in your life; over your enemy – your life will be a testimony and God will work on them to bring about a change; and over yourself – you will be strengthened to face the next challenge. Let’s be children of light and rejoice when persecution comes.