Guest Blog: Doug Honea, Upper Darby, PA.

In Matthew 22:34-40, Jesus answers the question, "What is the greatest commandment?"

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

First, we need to recognize that "love" here is a verb. It's not an abstract feeling that comes and goes, it is conscious, deliberate action that we take. Jesus didn't say, "Feel love towards your neighbor, or even 'like' your neighbor." He told us something specific to do.

This sounds simple enough and should be easy to understand. Yet, how do we know if we are following Jesus' commandment? Is my definition of "love" the same as yours?

Fortunately, we don't have to "wonder" if we are loving according to the Bible. The Apostle Paul defined love in a set of specific traits and actions that we can use as our "checklist."

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul tells us this about love:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

It's as simple as that!

Puppy Love

Don’t ask me to explain love. I can’t, because I don’t understand it. I can’t explain the Creator’s love for the creation. Like electricity, I know it’s there, and although I can’t explain it, I know how to use it. I can’t explain Christ’s love. Jesus knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, every thought I’ve ever had, and He loves me anyway. I don’t understand this, but I’m thankful for it.

When God looks at me He doesn’t see me, He sees Jesus because I‘ve “put Jesus on” (Galatians 3:27). He sees Jesus, and opens his arms to welcome me. I don’t understand this, but I’m thankful for it; and I’m resting in it to get me through this life and into the next.

I’ve wondered why, since God wants me to live righteously, He doesn’t make it easier by removing some of my desire to sin, some of that sinful nature that makes it so hard to resist temptations. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t want his relationship with us to be like puppets on a string that dance when He pulls the strings. That would not demonstrate our love for Him.

I’ve seen battery operated toy puppies that would dance around and yap when you turn them on. Then you can turn them off and put them in a closet. Compare the toy to a real live puppy that loves you and gets excited when you come near. He jumps around, wiggles, yaps, wags his tail, licks your hand, and leaves no doubt that he loves you and is glad to see you. God wants that pure sincere excited puppy love from us, not the reaction of an automaton.

Remembering “Puppy Love” should help me resists temptations, then when God comes near I won’t have to take on that pathetic, shameful, hang-dog look puppies get when they have forgotten to go on the paper.

Laughter

Around 1000 BC, the wisest man in the world said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine (Prov.17:22). A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance (Prov.15:13). He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast (Prov.15:15). Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones (Prov.16:24)”.

I think it was Ludlow Porch that said, “Don’t take life so serious Dearheart, it ain’t permanent nohow”.

Laughing makes us feel good. I read that the physiological effects on our body are amazing. Laughter provides a safety valve that shuts off the flow of stress hormones and the fight-or-flight compounds that comes into action in times of stress, rage or hostility. Laughter boosts the immune system, increases the natural killer cells that destroy tumors and viruses, and defends against the entry of infectious organisms through the respiratory tract. Laughter basically brings balance to all the components of the immune system.

Laughter can lower blood pressure, increase vascular blood flow, and increase oxygenation of the blood which further aids healing. It can lead to hiccupping and coughing which can clear the respiratory tract by dislodging mucus plugs. Laughter also gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory and facial, leg and back muscles a workout. Basically laughter is an all over body workout. Some believe that laughter may help prevent life threatening heart disease since anger and fear are two common emotions which frequently cause heart attacks. If you feel exhausted after a bout of contagious giggling, it’s because you have just had an aerobic workout.

I like it when medical science catch’s up with scripture.

Immigration

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American; and nothing but an American ... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag ... We have room for but one language here and that is the English language ... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.” (Theodore Roosevelt 1907)

Most Americans agree with Teddy Roosevelt’s position on Immigration; and are offended by immigrants who make no attempt to learn our language or pledge allegiance to our flag and country. We are insulted if those who want to enjoy the advantages and benefits of America continue to speak their native language and fly the flag of their home country. We believe those coming to America should comply with our laws and be loyal to our country. “America, love it or leave it” is our position.

I wonder if the Lord has similar feelings toward those that have joined His family and then continue to live the old life; how disappointed is He with those refusing to live an obedient life? Read Roosevelt’s statement again substituting “Christian” for “American”. Now there’s food for thought.

Pride

I once had the stupid idea that people who held subordinate positions, or worked with their hands or got dirtier, or made less money, or had less education, or lived in a poorer part of town or in a smaller house, or had a different accent or used poor English, or didn’t dress as nice, were somehow of less value and/or not as smart as me. The longer I live the more I realize how dumb that attitude was.

In Luke 14 Jesus talked about the ambitious wedding guest that sat down in a higher position than he should have, and had to be asked by the host to give up his seat to a more honorable guest. He should have assumed a lower position and he would have been honored in front of the other guests when asked to move up higher. Jesus said, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Vs 11).

Proverbs 3:34 says, “he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace to the lowly”. Proverbs 15:33, “before honor is humility”. Again in 18:12, “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility”. James 4:6 says, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble”. Again in 5:5, “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble”.

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord”. (I Corinthians 1:26-31)

I believe the deepest, most complex and profound theology in the scriptures can be expressed in only three words, “Jesus loves me”. He knows everything I’ve ever done, everything I’ve ever said, and everything I’ve ever thought, and He loves me anyway……awesome isn’t it?

Instead of being concerned about our status in the pecking order, or who is more valuable, or who is smarter than whom; it would seem best if we spent our efforts feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, shelter to the stranger, clothes to the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:38-40)

Forgiveness

God is the creator of the universe, the creator of mankind. He has no need to show you he’s boss, or to exert his authority, or to prove himself in any way. God does not have an ego problem. When He tells us something, it’s for our own good. Jesus said, “If you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will forgive you: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14&15) We are taught to pray; “and forgive us our sins; as we forgive those that trespass against us”. You’re physical, mental and emotional health is dependent upon your ability to forgive others and release the anger in your heart.

Repressed anger can lead to depression and anxiety. Unexpressed anger can be the cause of depression, and feelings of suicide. Someone close to you hurts you and fearing the loss of that person's love, you keep silent about your anger and ultimately, as a way to escape the guilt of your dependency, you begin wishing for your own destruction.

Unresolved anger is absorbed by the nervous system, and all major organs remain on alert. Blood pressure remains high and stresses the circulatory system, stomach lining, heart and lungs. The body stews in it own juices.

God says there is a simple way to avoid all this hurt and suffering, simply forgive and forget…..turn it loose. Can’t do it? Just can’t turn it loose? Then ask for help, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Allow Christ to do it through you.

Don’t go through life looking in the rearview mirror, forget the past and look to the future, don’t have a bad day today over something that happened yesterday, or even worse, years ago; regain the joy in your life by forgiving past hurts.

Butterfly Hug

They tell a story of a young boy who loved butterflies so much he could not resist giving them a hug. Sometimes it’s hard to keep your hands off when you care so much. Remember that God loves them more than you do and love can be elusive if you pursue it too hard, but will come to you if you be still. That’s what He means when he says “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself” (Psalms 37:7). Have faith and believe that God can do it without your help. In the end every person will have to answer for themselves.

Next time you feel desperate and just don’t know what to do; keep on doing what you know is the right thing to do, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day and there will be a payday some day. Have faith, let faith replace your fear, and wait on the Lord. Just keep on keeping on. “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9).

When considering solutions, remember that doing nothing is always a valid option. Take it to the Lord and leave it there. Don’t dig up something in doubt that you laid down in faith. Pray about it, turn it over to the Lord and move on, don’t continuously revisit the same old problems. God’s been running things without your help for a long time.

Lord teach me to care without crushing; to guide without pushing; and to love without smothering. Help me remember that sometimes you want to deal with folks without my help.

Complaining

Why are some people so unhappy? It’s hard to find folks today that don’t have a list of complaints. The Bible has much to say about complaining, and none of it good.

Numbers 11:1 says, “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord”. Nothing has changed, it still displeases the Lord to hear us complain. Exodus 16:7 says, “…..he hears your murmurings …..” The Lord had various ways of dealing with complainers in the Old Testament: In Numbers 11 it was with fire,”….and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them…..” In Numbers 16 it was an earthquake,” And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up…..they went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them; and they perished.” Again, it was with the plague, “for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.” In Numbers 21 it was with snakes, ’and the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died.”

I’m glad He doesn’t deal with us like that today. In the New Testament; Jude 16 refers to complainers as ungodly sinners walking after their own lusts… It’s obvious to me that God still takes complaining seriously.

God doesn’t like to hear us complain because He knows what it does to us; it gives us a negative attitude, and robs us of our joy. It keeps us and those around us from enjoying the abundant life He has for us. Usually, you find what you are looking for; if you’re looking for something to complain about, you’ll find it, if you’re looking for something to be glad about you’ll find that too. It takes no intelligence to find fault, any dummy can find something to complain about, but there’s real power and encouragement in positive thinking.

It’s not hard to understand why the Lord is unhappy with murmuring and complaining; and why we are instructed to do all things without murmurings and disputes (Phil.2:14); and why Jesus said, murmur not among yourselves (John 6:43). We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should be very thankful.

Be Happy

Recently a grandson said. “But we’re happy Poppa and that’s what’s important” or “that’s what counts”, or words to that effect. I didn’t respond or comment at the time, because I really didn’t know what to say, but in reflection, I wish I had said, “No son, that’s not what’s important”.

Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is a time to be happy, but it’s not all the time. Chapter 3:1-8 says; “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to pluck that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.”

One time, or season, is often dependent upon another; except there be a time of plowing and planting, there can be no time of harvesting and eating. One season may be more fun than the other, but success and true happiness comes from learning to be content during both seasons.

I Timothy 5:8 say’s if any man provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Then, (6:6) say’s godliness with contentment is great gain. I think contentment is more to be sought than happiness, but will be elusive if there are unmet responsibilities.

Do Over

Some of our fondest child-hood memories involve do-over’s. A do-over would serve as judge or arbitrator in the resolution of disputes in games, compensate for slip-ups, cool tempers, continue a game, preserve friendships and make everybody feel better. Sometimes our worse mistakes could be undone with a simple do-over. Wouldn’t it be great if we could use do-over’s in our lives today?

How often have we regretted something we did, or said, or thought? How many times have we needed to apologize for thoughtless comments or acts? How many times have we wished we could have a do-over?

The good news is that every day can be a do-over. The Prophet Jeremiah says, “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23)

This tells me that the Lord’s mercies and compassions are new every morning; they give me a do-over every day; a new heart and a fresh start. It matters not what I did, said or thought yesterday that displeased the Lord; if I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. He will not remember yesterday’s sins; not because He can’t; but because He chooses not to remember them.

He expects us to do the same for others, “love one another”; no building on yesterday’s disagreements; no bringing up past problems; no re-hashing of bad memories; forgetting prior hurt feeling; because we choose not to remember them; every day’s a do-over.

And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us………

Attitudes

I’ve heard real estate folks say that the three most important things in real estate are location, location, and location. I believe the three most important things in Christian living are attitude, attitude, and attitude. What happens to you or around you is not nearly as important as is how you react to it. I believe God sometimes allows events in our lives to test how we will react to them; and maybe allows them to linger until we display the proper attitude.

The Bible makes it clear that God does not like for us to complain. Numbers 11:1 says, “And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord”. In Exodus 16:8 Moses told the people that when they complained, it wasn’t against him, but against the Lord.

I figure I do enough every day already to displease the Lord without adding complaining to the list. So I try hard to not complain, and in truth, I have nothing to complain about. But sometimes it happens anyway, and when it does I try to visualize myself standing out in a lightening storm shaking my fist at God……that ought to give anybody instant repentance and a change of attitude.

Our dishwasher went out recently, and the first thought I had was how thankful I was for the six years of dependable, reliable service it had given us. Yeah right, well, it should have been my first thought. When the muffler and tailpipe fell off my old car as I was backing out of the carport, my first thought should have been; thank you Lord that this didn’t happen on the interstate, coming home from Columbus in the rain yesterday ….. it should have been my first thought, but wasn’t.

I remember a little primary era song about counting your many blessings and naming them one by one; we don’t do enough of that. I’m seventy years old and never one time in my life have I ever been hungry and had nothing to eat…..didn’t always want what I had, but had food. Never one time in my life have I been alone with no friends or family I could call…..I’ve been lonesome, but never alone in the world. Never one time in my life have I ever been homeless, without bed and shelter. Sometimes it was shaky and leaky with past due payments, but always a bed and a roof over my head. Millions and millions of God’s people cannot make these three statements. That’s what I mean when I say I have nothing to complain about.

Lord free me from eyes which see nothing but faults and a mind which always thinks the worse, grant me always an attitude of gratitude.