Weekend Sermon

     It is good to be back with you again this week.  I am always happy when it is the time of the week to post another edition of the Weekend Sermon.  I pray that all of you are doing well.
     It is very hot where I live.  Please pray for all of those who have to work outside in the heat everyday.  Also, pray for those who are homeless who have to face these brutal conditions on top of everything else that they must endure in life.
     I'd would ask you all to continue to pray for those affected by the Ebola virus in Africa.  Pray that this outbreak might be brought under control, and pray for those who are treating the sick. Pray for the sick that they might fully recover.
     Also pray for peace.  I especially urge you to pray for peace in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine.  Continue to pray for peace in Israel and Gaza.
     In today's message, I would like to focus on the theme of our verse of the week that I posted on Monday.  To refresh your memory, that verse was Ephesians 4 32 which states, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
     This verse contains some important themes that I would like to discuss today.  First of all is the idea of being kind and compassionate to one another.  This is so important. 
     I don't know about where you live, but in the country where I live, basic civility and kindness to one another seems to be a thing of the past.  When I was growing up, people would not have dreamed of speaking as rudely and disrespectfully to others as they do now.  The society in general has become very course and abrasive on many levels.
     As followers of the Lord Jesus, we need to rise above the meanness of society at large, and practice kindness and compassion just as Jesus showed us to do.  Our first area of kindness and compassion needs to be with our family.  Let us all resolve to speak words that heal and not words that hurt with our wives, husbands, children and other family members.  Let us speak words of encouragement.  Tell your loved ones each and every day who much you love them and care about them.  Also, don't forget acts of kindness.  Go out of your way to help make someone in your family's day a little bit better.
    Let us also practice kindness and compassion for our fellow Christians.  Sadly, the church family can be a place of back-biting and dissension.  That is not a good witness for the transforming power of Jesus.  Just as we should show practical kindness to our family and friends, let us strive to help and encourage those with whom we share a Savior.
    Our kindness and compassion must also be expressed to the world at large.  This can be done in a number of different ways.  There are many hurting people in this world.  There are homeless people who need assistance as well as others trapped in poverty who need a helping hand.  Let us all who name the name of Jesus be the people who help those who need help in whatever way the Lord Jesus has equipped us to help and assist.
    This verse also speaks about forgiving.  Jesus spoke about forgiveness many times during His earthly ministry.  We have been forgiven so much as Christians.  We ought to be willing to forgive others.  Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7.  The characteristic of one who has been forgiven is that he is willing to forgive others.
    And what is the reason that we should be kind, compassionate and forgiving?  It is because Jesus has demonstrated kindness, compassion and forgiveness towards us.  Jesus shows His kindness to the world at large everyday.  In spite of the fact that the majority of people have rejected Him, the Lord still provides air, sunshine and rain.  The Lord still allows more good than bad to be in the world.  Jesus showed His kindness to the human race ultimately by coming to earth and bearing the sins of this world in His body while He was on the cross.  He conquered sin, death, hell and the grave so that we might not have to fear death.  Jesus has demonstrated His kindness by preparing a place for us with Him in Heaven.  Ultimately, Jesus will demonstrate His kindness and compassion to the universe by one day coming again in power and great glory.  He will rid the world of sin, and He will create a new Heaven and a new earth.  All of the former things will pass away, and all will be at peace and all will be right and good.
    As for as forgiveness goes, we owed a debt that we could not pay.  That was our sin debt.  But, Jesus has provided the means of forgiveness.  If we call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, He will forgive of us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  He will come into our hearts, be our Savior and Lord, and He will never leave us or forsake us.  Praise be to His holy name.
    It all comes down to following Jesus as our ultimate example.  If we pattern our lives after what Jesus said and did we can't go wrong.  Let us all follow Jesus this week and find ways to practice kindness, compassion and forgiveness in our families, in our churches and in our communities.
    On Monday, I will post another verse for the week.  I will try to post a book review on Wednesday or Thursday, and the Weekend Sermon will appear on Friday or Saturday.  May the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ be upon you all.  Amen.