Sunday, December 19, 2021

An Allegory

Last night my wife woke me at some ungodly hour asking for a glass of water.

I reminded her that as the primary breadwinner I needed my sleep more than she did and rolled over.

She asked again, so I grabbed my bible and showed her the passage stating that she had to submit to me.

She pointed out that she was thirsty, so I spent an hour doing some internet research and found that the probability of her dying was small, especially because I had a humidifier running.

She kept asking, so I accused her of being disrespectful, divisive and, selfish.

She retorted with something about my responsibility to love her and I was appalled.  I reminded her that I say “I love you” every morning before I go to work. 

She muttered about my selfishness  She had obviously forgotten that I spend half an hour a week helping at the kid’s sports.  I suggested that she repent of her moral superiority.

I finally got back to sleep despite her noisy sobbing.

This morning she said she wants a divorce. 

I think she is going to hell.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

What does love look like in a church?

 A haven, a place of safety and rest in the storm of life, that helps meet needs

Meeting Spiritual Needs:

  • ·       The gospel
  • ·       Truth
  • ·       Worship
  • ·       Discipleship
  • ·       Prayer
  • ·       Service opportunities

Meeting Social and Emotional Needs:

  • ·       A community
  • ·       Support
  • ·       Encouragement
  • ·       Protection
  • ·       Friendship
  • ·       Counseling

Meeting Physical Needs

  • ·       Help
  • ·       Shelter
  • ·       Sustenance
  • ·       Transport
  • ·       Medical support

Not

  • ·       Justifying selfishness
  • ·       Putting rules and programs above people
  • ·       Bickering about doctrinal minutiae
  • ·       Allowing politics to govern behaviors
  • ·       “Judgement”