***Christmas Outreach for the
Homeless at Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless Center will be Sunday December 18 from 11:00-1:00. Please visit the
website above to donate or volunteer.
Word for the Day December 7
By: Evang. Cascille Hammack
"We
who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1
Romans 15:2-4 says, "Each of us should please our
neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: “The insults
of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so
that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
Christ did not please Himself and
we should not either. Living sacrificially in helping others strengthens the kingdom of God. Romans 15:1-4 gives
us Christ's example, who did not live for His own interest but for the interest of others. Romans 14:1 instructs,
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters." We are to be patient with
one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 instructs, "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the
timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone."
We are to help others, even when it comes at a personal sacrifice. Philippians 2:4 directs, "Each
of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." We are to rejoice in our
sacrifice of giving to others. Philippians 2:17 declares, "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering
on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you." 1 John 3:16 says,
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our
brothers."
Ephesians 5:1,2 teaches, "Be
imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up
for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." The promise of reward for having a true love for God
and a sincere concern for the welfare of others is given to us in Isaiah 58:10, "if you spend yourselves in behalf
of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become
like the noonday."
Jesus
replied, when asked what was the greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first
and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
World Faith Outreach
Sunday Service 4:30pm
Prayer 4:00pm
3rd and Main (in the historic Kress, next to The Little
Village restaurant)
Downtown Baton Rouge