โThe very word "secrecy" is repugnant in a free and open society. And we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths, and to secret proceedings.โ
Thanks be to God for holding me back when I was not ready.
โFor we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.โ
โLove is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.โ 1 Cor 13:4-6
@lutherananswers โIn the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,ย but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.โ - Hebrews 1:1-2
She said, "The Bible teaches us to focus on 'self-love, too.'"
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I replied, respectfully, "Do you mind pointing out where it says that?"
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She referenced Matthew 22:39, which says:ย
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". . . You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Not I But the Grace of God
Every good gift is from God. The Father created us, giving us eyes, ears, hearts, brains. Why? Because delights to give, to nurture, to love us.
The Son has redeemed us by his birth, passion, and resurrection so that he might bring us into his kingdom. Why? Because he joyfully desired to save us and make us his brothers and sisters.
The Spirit has called us to Christ, given us repentance and faith, baptized us into the church, forgives us, and promises to raise our bodies on the last day. Why? Because he has mercy upon us, loves us, and wants nothing but the best for us.
Yes, as recipients of these gifts, we are still active in many ways. But even our activity is Godโs work through us. To borrow the language of Isaiah: โYou have indeed done for us all our worksโ (26:12). Or, as Paul will say, โI worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with meโ (1 Cor. 15:10).
That phrase, โthough it was not I, but the grace of Godโ could be applied across our lives.
โข I have served my family, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
โข I have followed Jesus as his disciple, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
โข I have labored in my vocation, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
โข I have repented, confessed, and believed, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
You have indeed done for us all our works. All glory is yours and yours alone.
@IanCrossland Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. - Romans 12:19//Duet 32:35