Love your Neighbour As Yourself

This is a version of Golden Rule-Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.Jesus taught that you should love God with all your heart,soul,strength,and mind;and that you should love your neighbour as yourself. Mk.12:31" You shall love your neighbour as yourself.There is no other commandment greater than these." First found in the Old Testament.Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate this commandment.

A man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho.On the way,he was attacked by a gang of robbers.They took away all his belongings,  beat him up and left him there to die.After some time,a priest and a Levite,a servant at the temple both came along the way.When they saw the man bleeding and dying,they were afraid and hurried on their way.

Later,a Samaritan passed the way.When he saw the injured man,he went to him,bandaged his wounds and covered him with his own  cloth.Then he put the man on his donkey and took him to an inn.He hired a room there and looked after him.The next day,the samaritan gave the inn owner two silver coins and said,"Take care of this man.He is injured.If you spend more than what I have given to you,I will repay on my way back.After telling this story,Jesus asked,"What do you think,which of these three was a good neighbour to the injured man?"  "The Samaritan was kind to injured man,"the lawyer replied. That's right,said Jesus, "Then go and be a good neighbour like him."

Loving your neighbour is the first and best choice among the three choices you have with regard to that person next door.The first choice is love.The second is hate and the third is indifference.Let us examine each choice,beginning with the third choice.Perhaps, you don't want to love your neighbour,because he is not good,but you don't want to hate him because you are a good person and you avoid negative emotions.So you are indifferent to your neighbour.But indifference or apathy is a cold emotion.Apathy is as negative as hatred.The line between hatred and apathy is very fine.If you meet your neighbour on the street and you ignore him,it's hardly a good and decent thing to do.

The second choice,hatred,will harm you as much as it hurts your neighbour,which leaves you with the first and the best choice-To love your neighbour. Honestly,loving an irksome neighbour is not as hard as it seems.It simply means respecting the person and thinking of his needs and desires as much as you would your own.

You won't be able to love yourself until you first love your neighbour.Whether we like it or not,a major part of our life will always centre on that of our neighbour's.Ask yourself some questions and you will see from the answers how important your neighbour is for your own peace and happiness.

Lev.19:17-18 " You shall not hate in your heart any one of your kin;you shall reprove your neighbour,or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people,but you shall love your neighbour as yourself:I am the Lord." These verses clearly says the importance of love your neighbour and love one another.

And you can't just stop at loving your immediate neighbour.You have got to love your neighbour's neighbour,too,and your, circle of love gets wider subsuming differences of community,state,nation,continents-encompassing the whole universe and beyond.Your heart is so big and so full of love,that its capacity to love is infinite;it's Divine.Love gives you joy and power and victory and hate brings in sorrow and powerlessness and defeat.

Different religions propound love of your neighbour as an important part of their teaching.But you don't have to be religious person to love your neighbour ,because love of your neighbour is a superb human emotion,not necessarily tied to any creed or religion.

Hindus believe that one should never do to others what would pain oneself;Islam says not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.The sikh faith asks you to treat others as you would like to be treated.the nature is only good when it shall not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self is a precept of the Zoroastrian faith.Buddhists say,hurt not others with that which pains yourself.And Confucius said:Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.

Categories: Bible Thoughts Devotional Good Health Good Thoughts happiness

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Possibilities Are Never Ending

Possibilities means a chance of likelihood.For example: There is a possibility that Mr Rahul Gandhi may come in power in the coming 2019 election. We use opportunity to talk about a situation in which we can do something that we want to do.In other words something that can be done or achieved.Matt.19:26 " But Jesus looked at them and said, For mortals it is impossible,but for God all things are possible." Matt.17:20 " He said to them,Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mountain,Move from here to there,and it will move;and nothing will be impossible for you." Again Mk.10:27 says " Jesus looked at them and said,"For mortals it is impossible,but not for God;for God all things are possible." All the bible verses shows the possibilities if one have full faith on God.

The sun was setting in the west over the mountains.Half of the orb had already dipped beneath the ridge. In a few minutes the whole sun disappeared behind the still-glowing mountain range.Then darkness descended on all sides. But just then,another light began to ascend. It was the full moon,rising in the east as the sun set in the west. Soon,the whole scene was lit up again.This is a sign of nature. When one possibility ends,another begins. So it is for individuals and nations -there is always hope. By grasping fresh opportunities and utilising them,one can arise again. Don't ever giving up go on trying.

Have you ever felt like you were praying for the impossible. There is a power of God that is released in the impossible place.God is looking for faith, and real faith has to do with the impossible.Encourage you to pray impossible prayers-to launch out into the deep and pray God-sized prayers. God loves it when we pray for the impossible,when we believe Him for things that are beyond our abilities. He is looking for those with faith who will still press through in prayer when the going seems absolutely impossible. He is the God of the impossible.

The world is full of wonderful opportunities. Here,when matter perishes,it becomes energy,when darkness comes,a new light emerges from its depths; when one building falls, it leaves a place for the construction of another.So it is with events in our lives.

From every failure emerges the chances of new success. No one need lose heart in this world. However certain uncompromising circumstances may seen,they contain somewhere the possibility of triumph for man.

The Possibilities of prayer are the the possibilities of faith.Prayer and faith are twins.One heart animates them both. Faith is always praying. Prayer is always believing.Faith must have a tongue by which it can speak. Prayer is the tongue of faith. Faith must receive.Prayer must rise and soar.Faith must give prayer the wings to fly and ascend.Prayer must have an audience with God. Faith open the door,and access and audience are given. Prayer asks.Faith lays its hand on the thing asked for.

Several things happen in our lives when we face the impossible place. We often do not like to be challenged in this way,but God does a deep work within us when we face the impossible with persevering faith.

What one should do is seek out these possibilities and use them to turn one's defeat into victory.Though no one can go back and make a brand new ending. Remember,every dark cloud has a silver lining. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.

Categories: Devotional Good Health Good Thoughts health moral values Perfection

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Holy Spirit On Pentecost

Pentecost is a Greek name for Shavuot,the spring harvest festival of the Israelites,which was going on when the Holy spirit came.The disciples were together in Jerusalem after Jesus Resurrection and return to haven,fearful because he had left them. Pentecost which is celebrated on the seventh sunday (50 days) after Easter,commemorates the descent of the Holy spirit upon the twelve Apostles in the presence of mother Mary and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of weeks,as described in the Acts of Apostles.

The coming of the Holy Spirit,Acts.2:1-4 " When the day of pentecost had come,they were all together in one place.And suddenly from heaven there came a sound  like the rush of a violent wind,and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.Divided tongues,as of fire,appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages,as the Spirit gave them ability."

There are three instances described in the Bible where people received the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost " they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.Whereas others wondered what happened Peter knew what happened. He said " this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel where God said "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." No one had to tell him that he had received the Holy Spirit.

In Acts.10:44-46 " While peter was still speaking,the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God." In 19:6 "When Paul had laid his hands on them,the Holy Spirit came upon them,and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." 

In the liturgical services of the feast of pentecost,the coming of the Holy Spirit is celebrated together with the full revelation of the divine Trinity: Father,Son,and the Holy Spirit. The fulness of the Godhead is manifested with the spirit's coming to man.

Who gets the Holy Spirit?. Anyone can ask for and receive Holy Spirit into their heart as their helper and guide to the truth. God willingly gives to all who obey Him,who seek to be disciples of Jesus and follow him on the way He opened through the flesh by the power of Holy Spirit.Acts.5:32 " And we are witness to these things,and so it is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him." But it is what you do through the spirit once He dwells in you that changes your life.

Rom.6:16 " Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,you are slaves of the one whom you obey,either of sin,which leads to death,or of obedience,which leads to righteousness?. The role of the Holy Spirit is to show you truth-the sin in your flesh that needs to be eradicated, and give you the power you need to overcome sin." Again Rom.8:12-13 

"So then,brothers and sisters,we are debtors,not to the flesh,to live according to the flesh,you will die;but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,you will live."

The great vespers of pentecost features three long prayers at which the faithful kneel for the first time since Easter.To receive Holy Spirit,Trinity is one and the same. Father is the creator and not the created;Son is the created and not the creator. Holy spirit start from the Father,taken from the Son and at the same time equal to the Father.

Categories: Bible Thoughts Devotional happiness jesus Our God

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Smiling Is The Medicine For Your Anger

A strong feeling of annoyance,displeasure or hostility is the definition of Anger.Breathing in, I know that anger makes me ugly. Breathing out, I do not want to be contorted by anger. Breathing in, I know I must take care of myself. Breathing out, I know loving kindness is the only answer.

Biblical meaning of Anger: Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationship,and it ruins both the joy and health of many. Anger can become sinful when it is motivated by pride.Jas.1:20 "For your anger does not produce God's righteousness". 

When we feel angry, we should go back to our conscious breathing and refrain from looking and listening to the person we think to be the source of our unhappiness.We don't need to do or say anything.As we go back to our breathing, we should be aware that it is our anger that is making us suffer, not the other person.

The bible can be a great tool to help combat being quick to anger. By reading these Bible verses about anger, you can find a better way to cope with your problems.Although these Bible verses on anger may not be your cure, they should help soothe your soul and put you back on the right path.

1Jn.1:9 "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". The confession should be both of God and to those who have been hurt by our anger. 

Don't let your loved one be affected by your anger.Mtt.5:22 "But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool, you will be liable to the hell of fire."

As we see ourselves clearly, we know what to do and what not to do.The exaltation that follows will have the same effect. In anger, we tend to think of the other person as the source of our suffering. We see evil in him or her. "He is cruel"."She oppresses me"."He wants to to destroy me." In fact,it is our anger that destroys us.

So,we must take good care of our anger. When an accident took place first we should taken care of the victim to be hospitalised  for immediate medical treatment,instead of finding the cause of the accident or assess the damage or fight with the person concerned. 

The best Medicine in the world without any side effect is a "SMILING FACE" We pray that this Medicine stays always with you to overcome your anger.

If Five seconds of smile make a photograph more beautiful, Then just imagine how beautiful your life will be when you keep on smiling.Nothing in the nature lives for itself.Rivers don't drink their own water. Trees don't eat their own fruits.The sun doesn't shine for itself.A flower's fragrance is not for itself. Living for each other is the rule of nature.Live you life with understanding,then only you can smile and lead a beautiful life, at the same time your anger will vanishes. 

If we think happy thoughts, we will be happy and put the negativity behind you. Take a few moments to yourself to meditate, breathe,and get rid of your anger. You can divert to your attention,take a walk,listen to music,chat with your friends or talk to family members,and smile.By forcing yourself to smile and think happy thoughts,you will become happy.Then you can make true and honest smile. Only loving kindness can take care of our anger, and only loving kindness can take care of the other person.

Categories: Bible Thoughts Devotional Good Health Good Thoughts happiness Motivation Perfection

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Selfless Love And Peace

In the Christian way of life, peace comes through fellowship with God and daily growth, advancement in spiritual things which brings stability. A relaxed mental attitude, orientation to plan of God, occupation with Christ,and the ability to employ.

Jn.14:27 " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." There are 429 times the word used in The Holy Bible.

  

We all want peace: peace of mind, peace of the family and community, between countries, peace with our environment.  There is scarcely any one who does not yearn for peace. But how many of us are prepared to pay the price of peace, Love.

Love for Enemies: Mtt.5:43-45 "You have heard that it was said. 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I  say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

We need to love each other; have compassion and be prepared to sacrifice for one another and work for togetherness and peace. Love and peace will see all people united by the bonds of brotherhood, moving onward, forward, Godward. 

Godward,I say.For God and religion cannot and ought not to be kept out of this vision, even though people tend to discredit religion these days.  It is not religion that has failed us, it is we who have failed religion. We only speak religion, we don't bear witness to it in deeds of daily living, to the teachings of the great prophets. It is life that is needed, not words.

Eph. 4:2-3 " With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace." It shows the unity in the body of Christ.

You may recite prayers, chant hymns and sing songs of praise; you may read from the scriptures and frequent places of worship but if you do not imbibe at least some of the wisdom, are you may write wonderful commentaries on the Bible or any other world scriptures, but if you do not reflect the wisdom of those scriptures in word and action,how are you any better than a desktop printer.

Jesus says,Mtt.5:9 " Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." he does not tell us how to become a son of God. He simply says that sons of God are in fact peacemakers. People who are peacemakers will be recognised as the sons of God at the judgment and they will be called what they are and welcomed into the Father's house.

The world today needs peacemakers, not those who merely talk of peace but those who carry peace within and transmit it to those around them. 

Selfless love is prepared to sacrifice and selfless is love is that when other person's happiness is more than yours. Let me share with you a story of selfless love. A businessman came out of his office in a high race commercial centre and crossed the street to get into his mercedes car. His driver was holding the door open for him.The man was about to get in when he saw a little boy gazing wistfully at the gleaming automobile.

Moved, the man said to the boy, "Would you like to come for a drive with me" The child's eyes lit up with excitement and he said: Thank you sir, I would love nothing better. And off they went, the man and the boy,seated comfortably at the rear and the driver at the wheel, unable to believe what was happening.

The boy ask "How much did this car cost." the boy blurted out, his eyes wide open with wonder. I don't know, said the man,flushed with embarrassment. "You see, it was a gift from my older brother". exclaimed the boy.

Where would you like to go? asked the man,after a while. I will get dropped home,said the boy eagerly. We live close by, in a hutment near the station.

Soon they reached the station. The car stopped in front of the sprawling slum. The boy turned to the man eagerly and said, Sir,could you wait here for just a few minutes. The man nodded. The boy got down from the car and vanished into the slum. But he was back in a few minutes and in his arms he carried a severely disabled child."

Look my younger brother, look this is the big beautiful car that sahib's brother gifted him" the boy told the child. "I wish to be like that brother! Then I could buy you such a car when you grow up.

The boy waved goodbye and the car moved away. Inside the plush car the rich businessman sat in stupefied silence. At long last he said to the driver, "He did not want a car like this for himself. He wanted to give it to his brother".

Build love among us.True love is selfless. And such love can bring about lasting peace.

Categories: Bible Thoughts Devotional Good Thoughts happiness jesus Motivation Perfection

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