State: When I heard the fallout of the faith gatherings in Amherst, a scripture came to my mind.
Matthew 22:36–40 NLT
36“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
State: We are to love our neighbor
Through neglect or being unaware of the guidelines, three deaths occured and numerous infections of covid resulted from these meetings
State: Who is our neighbor?
Good Samaritan explanation
State: In this parable 3 people see the beaten and wounded Israelite
2 people walked right past him (Priest & Levite)
1 person did not - the enemy of the Jews, a Samaritan
Jesus is saying here - love those who disagree with you/offend you
Take care of them
See that they are well
Go out of your way (convenience) to help them
State: This is important - because for the first time, very clear lines of opposition have developed within the church because of covid
Larry’s email from the Passey’s
Galatians 5:14–15 NLT
14For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.
State: My conversation with David
Titus 3:2 NLT
2They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
State: Jesus speaking about the end of the age......
Matthew 24:12 NLT
12Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.
1 Peter 4:15–16 NLT
15If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. 16But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!
