“People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway.” Kent M. Keith

+++

Listen to my song “Listen to Your Heart” on YouTube by clicking HERE.

+++

Matthew 13:54-57

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him.

+++

Jesus inspired many people with his words and actions.

He continues to do so today.

But many people also turned on him.

His words calling for equal treatment of all, his reaching out to the so-called sinners, his standing up to injustice with non-violence – this did not go over well with many.

Among the people who took offense at him were the people closest to him.

The people from his home town basically said, “Who does he think he is?”

We all grow and change.

Even Jesus from boyhood “advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Change is the mark of growth.

When Jesus said at the beginning of his ministry: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15), he was telling all people to change directions (repent).

Turn away from the way you are living.

Stop seeking fulfillment in self-centered ways, and instead seek the community of mutual care and empowerment (kingdom of God).

Come together and care for all people – meaning especially the least of these (Matthew 25).

When we do this, we have to let go of a me-centered existence, and change to an other-centered existence.

Each of us is called to do this in the unique ways that only each of us can do it in our human experience.

The time to do it is now!

+++

Listen to the song of the day “Listen to Your Heart” on the Listen to Your Heart album by clicking HERE.

Stream and/or purchase my songs on Amazon Music by clicking HERE.

Purchase my book “Mercy Reigns: A Daily Devotional of Compassion, Comfort and Healing” on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Remember: God loves you!