Part 1 (Part 2 next week)

Maybe its my imagination, but people seem to be much nicer in times
of adversity. As I look back over
the past few months and remember
natural disasters, terrorist attacks, train and aircraft crashes, my
impression of the newsreel coverage is that people rally round to
comfort and help. Newspapers, radio and television take pleasure in
reporting acts of bravery and good news of sacrifice, humour, compassion
and love – a change from the usual fare of featuring only the worst that
people can do.

Maybe such adversities nudge us all into trying a bit harder and we
find it comforting and even satisfying. Well, love is satisfying and
comforting, isnÚquot;’t it! It makes the world go round, oils
the wheels, smoothes out the bumps. There is something unique about
human nature – that ability to give and receive love beyond our own kin
– a very special kind of love.

I read of a halfway house for men released from prison where they
could stay until they got a job and somewhere to live. One young man
had been in a penal institution for most of his adult life. One day as
he sat in the lounge the three-year-old daughter of the couple who ran
the shelter crawled up onto his lap, put her arms around his neck and
gave him a hug. With tears running down his cheeks he said,
Úquot;This is the first time I can remember anyone touching me in
love.Úquot; A few weeks later he gave his life to Jesus Christ.
God used that unique communication of physical contact and love to break
the scars of all those years.

This is what sets us apart from the animal kingdom. Most creatures
will show a love to their own but beyond that a territorial attitude
usually prevents that same love being shown to others. Because our love
comes from God we can, if we so choose, reach out to others and receive
from others. Some choose not to do so and they are the losers by it.

This then, is the answer to the problems of the world –
Úquot;Thou shall love the Lord thy God and love thy neighbour as
thyself.Úquot; That teaching isnÚquot;’t dated,
itÚquot;’s absolutely relevant today. If we love God with all
our heart we will have the capacity to understand and love our
neighbours. True love will find an outlet in service – not by merely
attending church or even in prayer – but in trying our utmost to prove
our love by obeying the will of God.

I once had to counsel a young married couple. All reason had
failed. Finally, I asked them to promise that each day for a week they
would read together 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Their marriage was
restored and they have gone from strength to strength. We must never
underestimate the authority of God, the power of His Word and that
unique ability granted by grace to us all to to give and receive love.
Reach out today.

Have a good week.
Pastor Ron

Optional Bible readings: 1 John 4:7-21.

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement
originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
A companion Bible study page is available each week. To subscribe email
<> with the words ‘subscribe word (or) word
and study’ Enquire about our weekly e-mail newsletter for young people.
Our ministry is free.

Pastor Ron Clarke JP (Mark 16:15) Email:
Internet Home Pages: http://www.pastornet.net.au/word4week
(Kids World) http://www.pastornet.net.au/kidswld/index.html