“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 – NIV) Today, I launch a new clergy collegial blog. I hope we will encourage and empower each other toward success and excellence in pastoral ministry. As I sit in the Pastor’s Study at Cambria Heights Community Church, I often ponder the possible feedback of clergy colleagues as it relates to preparing sermons, counseling in particularly difficult situation, designing fresh worship, balancing competing priorities of ministry, marriage and family, maintaining self-care, pursuing personal dreams and private interests outside of ministry and family, and finding resources to meet the ever evolving and changing needs of the people whom I serve. After a sustained period of prayer, reflection and meditation, I realize I can invite you to come “In The Pastor’s Study” for an exchange of ideas.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Connecting in Community - Matthew 5:17-20; 22:34-40 Part Three


Connecting in Community – Matthew 5:17-20; 22:34-40
Part Three

Concluding Reflections

Laws are necessary to the preservation of justice, order and quality of life in any society.  Indifference towards the law results in chaos and lawlessness.  Accordingly, the loss of freedom and the payment of fines are possible consequences of violating the laws.  The absence of law enforcement yields the commission of countless crimes of monumental proportions.  In New Orleans, Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina and in Bosnia and Yugoslavia following the dismantling of the former Communist regimes, unprecedented lawlessness occurred.  Women, children and many other undeserving adults were the victims of unspeakable crimes.  Regrettably, the presence of armed peace officers and criminal courts are necessary to coerce people to treat their fellow citizens with dignity and respect. 

God in Christ establishes a new law of love.  If every person follows the companion laws of loving God with all of his being and loving his neighbors as he loves himself, then we would need less law enforcement.  Crimes would decrease.  We would be able to use society’s resources and tax dollars for other social challenges.  We could concentrate upon curing longstanding diseases and providing a quality and equal education to all of our children.  Essentially, practicing love towards everyone would result in a more just and equitable society.  Achieving that grand aim most definitely accomplishes the message of the Law and Prophets.


Lesson Objectives

  • To learn and memorize the two great commandments.
  • To evaluate our love of God and our neighbors.
  • To define concrete ways to demonstrate love for God and our neighbors.


Prayer

O God of love who freely and generously loves us with the gift of Your one and only begotten Son, teach us to love as You do.  Make us ever mindful that You are love.  Remind us daily that in order to love You we must love each other.  Grant us every grace to obey Your law of love.  In the Name of Jesus, our loving Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and throughout all generations we pray.  Amen.

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