Stock Media Courtesy of Pond5
My father’s sermon on New Year’s day 2012 defined twelve ‘resolutions’ extracted from Luke chapter six – and I want to challenge you with them today.
I wish I had been there to hear the sermon but he summarized it the comments on the New Song 40 blog.
These are the resolutions:
12 Resolutions from Luke chapter 6 verses 27 to 31 and 37 to 38
1. I will show love to my enemies
2. I will do good to those who hate me
3. I will bless those who curse me
4. I will always pray for people who treat me badly
5. I will always offer the other cheek
6. I will not stop a mugger from taking whatever he wants from me
7. I will give to anyone and everyone that asks
8. I will not demand restitution of anything stolen from me
9. I will not judge people
10. I will not condemn people
11. I will forgive
12. I will do to others as I would have them do to me
Many of these ‘resolutions’ fly in the face of how our society and culture teach us to act… but they are absolutely how the bible tells us we should act.
These ‘resolutions’ really hit to the heart of what being a Christian really is.
I’m not going to waffle on and try to analyze them – I just want to ask you this:
Could you keep any of these resolutions this year? If not, why not?
Thanks for the ping back, Pete!
I wish you could have been there too!
Peter, I have to be honest. I believe two things that get in the way when I try to do any of these are pride and selfishness. If I allow to think of myself first or worry about what other people will think about me, that’s what will keep me from acting like the Bible tells I should.
By the way, thanks for sharing, Peter. Number 8 came as a response to prayer for me.
Blessings!
Thanks, Cris,
It’s always great to know something I’ve written has helped someone in some way!
These are tough. But, then, Jesus’ teachings are difficult for us humans. However, a great reminder about what is important to Him! Thanks for sharing!