We are all different, there is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, but we share the same human spirit. What is important is that we have the ability to create. This creativity can take many forms, from physical achievement to theoretical physics. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. -----Stephen Hawking, Paralympic Opening Ceremony, August 29th 2012 The need for love, for being wanted and cared for is as basic as the need for food. Okay, that is not exactly how Maslow put it. Mr. Maslow had put the need for food above the need for love in his highly referenced work: "A Theory of Human Motivation". But that is Maslow. I think differently. And apparently, Mother Theresa also thought differently when she opined that being unloved and uncared for creates a much greater poverty than that of having nothing to eat. Love is important; to have a sense of belonging is a wonderful feeling; and everybody needs a friend. Even God saw that it was not good for man to dwell alone. If the need for love is so obvious, and so important, how then is there so much lack of love in our world? As I listened to the preacher deliver his sermon from Roman 12:9-21 last Sunday, it dawned on me that it is the presence of God in a man’s life that makes the need to love others so compelling. In simple English, if you don’t have God, you cannot love. As a corollary, if you are easily attracted to evil, if you have problem honoring others above yourself, if you struggle to share with people in need, and you cannot be bothered with those who are mourning and those who are rejoicing, then your relationship with God may require some fixing. It is that simple, a man cannot give what he does not have. God is love, and if any man has God, then he has love. If a fellow does not know God, how can he understand God’s creation? How can he understand that people are to be cherished and respected, not to be used? People of this world love celebrities, fame, beauty, power and wealth, but since we are living in a world with warped values, the true meaning of those terms is lost on many. If you know God then you would understand that everything that God created is good. You would also know that the God that scatters the inhabitants of Babel loves varieties. He created some with a fair complexion while some are dark; some are tall while some are not so tall; some have big frames and some have small frames. God created them all, for his glory. There is no one born without a talent. Ephesians 4:8 says, ‘He gave gifts to all men’. To some, He gave five talents; to some, he gave three; and to others, he gave one. All, to His glory! The good thing is that you will only account for what you were given. Isn’t it then more important that we all concentrate on discovering and developing our talent rather than comparing ourselves with others and thus falling victim of unhealthy rivalry and competition. Isn’t it so true when the bible says those who compare themselves with others are not wise? The bible also says in 2 Corinthians 13:5 that we should examine ourselves. The passage did not say examine your brother, or your wife, or your colleague in the office, it says, examine yourself. Who are you to judge another man’s servant? (Romans 14:4) The relationship between our Lord, Jesus Christ and his disciples is a good example for all us in human relation. The disciples were different in temperament and talent, but Jesus loved them all. They were all very important to His ultimate plan and the purpose of bringing God’s Kingdom to the earth. Peter was an impulsive, emotional and unlettered man yet Jesus loved him. In fact he was made the leader of the disciples. Jesus saw beyond his human flaws; he rather paid attention to what Peter would become. John and James were ambitious and judgmental but Jesus loved them, still. Andrew was the first follower of Jesus, but unlike his brother, Peter, he preferred to stay in the background. And Jesus loved him. He loved others, too. The doubting Thomas, the cynical Nathaniel, Matthew, the corrupt custom official, and even Judas, who eventually sold Him to the enemy! According to 1 Peter 4: 8, love covers multitude of sins. Jesus believed in their potential; he treated them with kindness; and he celebrated their success and cheered them on. Jesus loves us, too. If we know God, if we have him in our lives, if we commune with him regularly, we too will be able to love those who are seemingly unlovable. That is the way to go. The noble thing to do! May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God be with us this week and forever more. Amen.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 23:59:15 +0000
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