I would like to consider an approach to the fourth commandment, around the concept of Godly love, stemming from the Greek word “agape." Within religious communities, there are stark differences. Christians often reject the fourth commandment as it is stated in the Bible, whereas observant Jews often adhere to it with Pharisaical strictness. Yet God intended the Sabbath to be a blessing to humanity, a day of rest, a break from all the weekly responsibilities so we would remain connected to … [Read more...] about Agape Love
Selfless
What Makes a Hero?
The author of the book What Makes a Hero? The Surprising Science of Selflessness, Elizabeth Svoboda, writes in an article in the Washington Post: “[Heroes] flash into public view like signal flares, dazzling us with their courageous and selfless acts. “[Like] Wesley Autrey, who jumped onto New York City subway tracks to save a man from an oncoming train. Captain Chesley Sullenberger of US Airways, who landed his plane and passengers safely on New York's Hudson River…Charles Ramsey, who … [Read more...] about What Makes a Hero?
Instilling Trust in God’s Church
What percentage of Americans would you guess trust the government in Washington to do what is right at least most of the time? According to the Pew Research Center, it has been at about 17% during the previous administration and during this present one. That puts public trust of government at near historic lows. We don’t have to guess at what effect this cynicism has had on national unity because the distrust and animosity among the citizenry is almost palpable. The important thing to realize is … [Read more...] about Instilling Trust in God’s Church
Spiritual Equilibrium
It’s difficult to maintain our spiritual equilibrium in the moral and ethical chaos of the world we live in. As followers of Christ, we are to have balanced relationships with those in the world. Jesus said that we are to be in the world but not be of the world. We’re to live life as a positive example, not allowing the world to return to mold or shape us negatively. We are not to jump head-first into the world’s value systems; however, we are not to withdraw into isolation … [Read more...] about Spiritual Equilibrium



