“Just as Christ put on the sinner for you, so you will ‘put on’ your neighbor.
In faith you do not live in your old self, as we have seen, but in Christ,
and then in the works that God produces through you for your neighbor
you once again do not live in yourself but come to live in others
by helping them with their needs.
You may begin to feel like you are being spread a little thin, but then again,
when the object of life is not to become righteous by the law,
giving yourself away doesn’t seem like a loss but a gain.”
Excerpt from Luther for Armchair Theologians ~ Steven Paulson
Yes. "You may begin to feel like you are being spread a little thin?" This seems to be happening every day! But when your object in life is no longer to prove that you are good enough for God, giving yourself to your neighbors – especially those who live in the same home – is not a loss, but a gain. Is there anything better than giving our time, life, and energy to the children and husband with whom God has blessed us?
What an honor and privilege to be given neighbors and to be able to help them with their needs. Whether it's a diaper or an ironed shirt, or a good word. Thank you Lord Jesus.
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