Take a Seat, Brother

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12

 

My family and I enjoy watching a show entitled Backroads Montana, from time to time.  While some of the stories are less desirable than others, nonetheless, it gives a good perspective on life throughout the great state of Montana.  The other day we happened upon an episode which had a woman who was recounting her story of running the local Senior Center and relaying the foundation for a friendship that she has with one of the women who frequents the Senior Center. 

 

That friendship was based on the fact that amongst disputes and apparent rivalry, she was at the funeral of her husband.  She entered the church, not knowing where to sit and here this woman simply told her to take a seat next to her.  A complete stranger with a random act of kindness, which affected this director of the Senior Center so much that, though seemingly a small gesture, caused her to have a great deal of respect and love towards this woman who made a seat available.

 

This article is written for true Christians, those who have truly repented and by faith believed into the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Make no mistake, it is not a secret in this world that there is a lot of wrongdoing and infighting, even amongst those who are relatives.  Many families have what would be consider a large amount of dysfunctionality, in regards to their behavior. 

 

Considering the broader perspective, just how much more so amongst the general populace?  Anyone who drives in traffic knows that there is always those who are not only not courteous, but blatantly rude, often breaking laws.  Even in the grocery stores there can be disrespectful situations.  While the thought would be that generally those who are true Believers would not partake in these actions, how often do we offer a kind gesture to a stranger?

 

Certainly our interactions can have an affect on people, one which we might never know or expect.  Helping out family, being kind and compassionate, even to strangers is simply following the examples of Christ.  Consider these things next time you are out and about or interacting with family members, even when they are hostile in their words and actions.  Consider what Jesus did for us and how He did not repay evil for evil.

 

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:  Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but gave Himself over to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”  1st Peter 2:21-25

 

Amen!