Loving ALL - The mark of a Christian

A good reminder from bible study this week.

Matthew 5: 43-48
You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

A friend recently told me she doesn't want to be called Christian any longer because it is only synonyms with the word hypocrite. I feel this verse calls us, Christians, back to truly what a Christian is called/ defined by- simply, love. But not just any love. Love that is defined by God and is His own. His love is not a pampering love that allows you to do what is comfortable. It is a love that is not marred by feelings. No, simply it is a action, a choice. This love is one that speaks truth and rebukes sin, judges and confronts sin. It is a love that was demonstrated for us while we were still considered Christ's enemies, when he was beaten, bruised, mocked, and tortured till death on a cross. Yes, Christ demonstrated that we should love ALL.
We are not to love showing partiality to those that loved us first. If we do this we are just like everyone else. What sets us apart as changed and impacted by Christ is when we love those that do not love us, to love every person we come into contact, even the people that make life difficult.
Final thoughts from Proverbs and Corinthians:
Proverbs 24: 17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away
Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
1 Corinthians 13:6
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Therefore love, and love as your heavenly Father.

Coffee Mug Poem...

Human thought has no limit. At its risk and peril, it analyses and dissects its own fascination. We could almost say that, by a sort of splendid reaction, it fascinates nature; the mysterious world which surrounds us returns what it receives; it is probable that the contemplators are contemplated. However that may be, there are men on the earth- if they are nothing more-- who distinctly perceive the heights of the absolute in the horizon of their contemplation, and who have the terrible vision of the infinite mountain
- Victor Hugo

Living in Eugene

My mind has been on overdrive these last two weeks. I have been memorizing the city of Eugene, Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend, Hospital Procedures, Radiographic Techniques, Patient Positioning, and so much more. The time has past quickly. Yet, I feel I have taken in enough information equivalent to an entire term of college.

Trying to enjoy my summer and balance my work/ social life, I have also been playing hard during my days/ hours off. I work from 7:00am to 3:30pm (though it is often later than that). This allows me to have the afternoon to study, exercise, and hang out.

Nick and I have been exploring on the weekends. We went to Shotgun creek over the 4th of July weekend and watched the local fireworks from the top of Skinner's Butte in the center of town. Last weekend, we met up with his grandparents out near Carmen & Smith Reservoir to do some camping and fishing. It was so much fun hiking around and boating on the reservoir and Clear Lake. The weather was wonderful and the adventuring was a blast. I love that area of Oregon!

I am also starting to appreciate Eugene and enjoy being here. More importantly though, I am finally feeling comfortable with living at Nick's grandparent's house and jumping in on various procedures in the hospital. Thanks for all the prayers. Keep them coming; next week I need to start comping on exams. (I need to comp 16 exams before September.)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

It is not an accident that I am in Eugene. For this reason, I am so excited to see what God has planned for me during my time here. There is a purpose.