FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021 LOVE WINS - MY REPORT CARD

 FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021 LOVE WINS - MY REPORT CARD

In Christian circles, today is Good Friday.  As a child, I thought how could such a bleak day be called “Good”.  As an adult, in my thoughts/opinions/views - I think it was the best (or “goodist”) day ever!!

I wanted to give my report card today

Note, while this is based on Judeo-Christian teaching, I think it can apply to all of us!!!

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Matthew 25:31-40

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

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Let’s take it item by item:

Hungry - (hmmm) - I have donated funds to the local food bank - probably not very significant.  

Thirsty - (hmmm) - I got a case of water during our week of Texas Winter.  It is behind my seat (driver’s seat), and I can reach it and hand out a bottle of water when I see a homeless person begging on the side of the road.  Maybe as I get out more, and maybe as it gets a little warmer, I’ll be able to give it out!!  Yeehaw - all of 20 bottles of water to give out (okay, not very significant)

Strangers - (hmmm) - during our tornado watch two weeks ago, my neighbor from the second (top) floor came to my apartment to wait for the storm to pass.  I also helped her move.  Okay, I’ve helped one stranger!!!  And, I do visit my two shuts-ins weekly and check upon them.  I text or email lots of friends with encouragement.  I went to see Kelly sing last week (bias - she needs my friendship).  

Naked - (hmmm) I have given a lot of clothes to thrift shops.  

Sick - (hmmm) I’ve taken my two people to their doctor’s appointments (and others).  And, one I stay with a while when she’s had her chemo treatment.

I haven’t visited the prisons (until it might be some people who have ‘prisons in their minds’ and I’ve tried to encourage them.  

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Report card - I am failing to be a good person.  I talk the talk but I don’t walk the walk.  Be kind, be kind, love wins, etc. - but when I need to put these things into actions, I don’t measure up!!!

I am a champion at rationalizing - “I’m just as good as most people” - but that really doesn’t mean much, does it?  

I’d like to suggest that I am “passing” in terms of a report card - but even then, just barely passing.  (And, if I was realistic, I probably am failing!!!  

Could I do more? Yes.  Then - why aren’t I doing more?

Luke 18:13 has to be my fallback position: “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’”

So - I have a LONG WAYS to go!!!   Psalm 67:1 “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!!

Karn