Brotherly Love.

1 John 3 v 10: This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

The story of the Prodical Son has interested me since attending Sunday School, as a young child. What did not make sense to me was it just seemed unfair, that the disobedient son was welcomed home and the older brother had to look on and accept his fathers decision. In my worldly eyes I found it hard to understanding this great love the father had, and that his love was equal even if their actions were not.

Matthew 5 V 46-47: If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ......
So if we only love those who love us, or who display their love in a way we prefer ... then we have an issue. Many may say that it's their fault I didn't give them the same things I give his brothers, as this one is naughtier or not so nice to me. I am amazed at God's Father Heart, which does not keep a record of wrongs.

With the story of the Prodical Son/Father's Heart... upon the younger son's return, the older, faithful son becomes very angry. It may feel good to our worldly selves that we treat people differently according to how nice they are to us. But, thankfully the brother's concept does not affect the Father's decision. The father knows what is right and leads with authority, revealing strong leadership, by making a call that may seem unpopular to some. He doesn't allow his elder son to say or affect his decision, although the father does later speak to the angry son to explain his actions and heart. This is another great example of leadership... explaining to the next generation the motive of his decisions - imparting wisdom and Godly principles.

Sometimes it is hard to love those that you don't see eye to eye with, or angry people .... but you may find that they are the ones who need love the most. It may not be easy or an enjoyable thing to start doing, but may well the most rewarding and loving thing to do.

I love how the father upon his sons return gave a party for him, rather than serving him a behaviour contract to sign at the front gate. The father was at the gate.. but not to impose punishment.. but he was eagerly watching and waiting for his son's return. I am not saying that this would be easy, I am just amazed at this parable of Godly love - a father's heart.

Jesus gave a great example of how to treat people in Matthew 25 v 36-40...........my footnotes say this about these verses: "ultimately, how a person treats people will reveal whether or not he is saved."
Ouch! Gets you thinking doesn't it.

Blessings,

Akita.
20-2-08

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1 John 3 v 16

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

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Akita Olsen
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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