Who is my brother? If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.1 John 4:20-21 (The Message)
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'Matthew 25:35-40 (New International Version)
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Who is my brother? I believe in the value of all humanity as being God's creation. Everyone is valuable for just being. Everyone is my brother and sister... not just people who share my faith.
Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.Matthew 25:40 (The Message)
I think Peterson's translation relates this more than the NIV :: Everyone is a brother and sister with Jesus... even those who do not acknowledge Him as Lord. This isn't some weird universalistic approach to faith. I still believe Jesus to be the only way to God. However, I believe in the Lord who said ::
"This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."Matthew 22:38-40 (New International Version)
Everyone is my neighbour! Everyone is my brother and sister. Helping others less fortunate than ourselves should come from a position of love... nothing more, nothing less. My faith demands that I love people... there is no way out of this. Referring to "my brothers and sisters" in the context of my brothers and sisters in faith is just plain wrong.
Who is my brother? You are... whoever you are... wherever you are... regardless of your faith or whatever... You are my brother or sister... and I love you.
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4 comments:
Thomas, you are absolutely spot on with that one! Love ya! Olwyn
'While women weep as they do now, I'll fight...while little children go hungry as they do now, I'll fight...while men go to prison as they do now, I'll fight..I'll fight to the very end!' (William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army) This to me sums up his dedication and the depth of love he had for people. In the past and still today, governments have offered help by distinguishing between deserving and undeserving causes and as a result, society tends to be quick to judge and we have real problems when it comes to thinking beyond our own needs. The Saviour of men came to seek and to save the lost which includes pretty much all of us! On that basis we all need to be helping and encouraging each other but especially those in great need!
Thank you all...
Olly - Love you!
Kooky - Thank you... I'll fight with you, my friend.
Matthew - Great to have you back in the game! Love to Debbie.
I don't mean to undermine the importance of the post, but dude, I love the picture! Warn-A-Brother! HaHaHa!
'the Soos'
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