A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35
Have you ever sit down to consider who you would invite to a party or event? Maybe you invited someone out of obligation. Have you ever been to an engagement of sorts and because someone doesn’t share your ideologies, you are left feeling uncomfortable and when you see that one person avoid them?
I find I struggle over certain things in my life and showing forgiveness and love isn’t always the easiest thing for me. I too have been done wrong by some, or find something disagreeable with their theology and become rather distant to them. However, I might meet a complete stranger, who says they are a believer in Jesus and accept them completely. In other words, I am judgmental and I hate that about me. As long as I hold to my misguided thinking, I lose real opportunities of love, laughter and fellowship. I am reminded that Jesus said, “Love one another… that all men might know.”
When the time to invite the Indians to join them in a thanksgiving feast, the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag Tribe. That meant they would invite all the Indians to this event. About ninety tribesmen came to the feast and the Pilgrims feared the large gathering would mean all the stores would be consumed. The Wampanoag men knew that a feast would require more. That is why they too brought five deer to the feast. When all was prepared they sat down to eat and three days later the feast ended.
More importantly, the Indians were made aware of the Pilgrims’ God. Squanto knew about their God and, who knows, might have served as an interrupter between Indians and Pilgrims. Imagine the opportunity to hear the Word preached, the offering of prayers and the livingly conversation of faith. Also imagine the lessening of fear, as the time of festival moved on into the second and third day. By the time the feast was done, though many were tired and full of food, a new found respect and love was shared between the two peoples. God’s love shown through.
Before you have your time of Thanksgiving, make peace with others. To the one you feel has done you wrong, go to them and set it right. How can we truly enjoy the blessings of God when there is hardship between two exists.
Think about it….
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