Thursday 28 October 2010

Background

This reading is a reading of reassurance and reward. God haschosen us as children, and given us the Holy Spirit as teacher,counsellor and friend.

On the other hand, this reading is a warning of the consequences offaith. Those who are open to God will be open to the children ofGod; however those who resent God will also resent God's children.As Christians we are given huge blessings, but sometimes we takegreat risks also. Jesus came to earth as a man, and experienced thesame joy as we do in our humanity. Jesus also experienced humankindat its very worst. God knows how difficult it can be to do what isright within a world where doing wrong has become acceptable. Thatis why Jesus came to earth, to show us that doing right is possibleeven in the most difficult circumstances. While God understands ourhuman weaknesses, God does not allow us to make excuses for sin. Wehave been given guidance on what is right, and the Holy Spiritworks alongside us to give us the strength to follow God'sway.

In this world we are called to be a living example of how amazingGod can be. We are called to try our best to do what is right andto recognise when we do wrong. This is what it means to be on God'sside.

To Ponder

God has chosen each of us out of the world. Howdoes this privileged status make you feel?

God knows the full joy and pain of human life.Are you able to thank God for understanding the highs and lows ofyour life? Why?

God has given us a perfect example of how to dowhat is right. To what extent do you make excuses for your sins, orare you able to take responsibility for your own choices?