Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

Love Is . . . What makes mornings bright, evenings peaceful, and the future full of hope. Romans 5:1-5 Looking for ways to brighten the lives of others, even when it means sacrificing things you want most of all. Galatians 6:3 Making the extra effort to discover the needs of others, then doing your best to fulfill those needs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Being there when a brother or sister in Christ needs you in their time of stress or grief. Romans 12:15 Saying “thank you,” “please” and “I’m sorry” when it is appropriate. Proverbs 25:11 Seeking those who are wavering in their faith, then gently but firmly bringing them back to the Lord. Galatians 6:1-2 Telling your neighbor, your friend or classmate what being a Christian means to you and what it could mean to them. Mark 5:19 Searching all through the Bible to find out what God says about love and how you can show it. 1 Corinthians 13 Not always “soft and cuddly” but is often tough, thoughtfully providing discipline and firm guidance. 2 Timothy 2:25 Caring for a parent or a child who cannot take care of himself or herself. Mark 7:11 Searching for God’s revealed truth, believing it yourself, and then making it known to others. 2 Timothy 2:15 Putting other’s interests ahead of your own, and seeking your enemy’s best interests as well as your friend’s. Romans 14:19 Kindly showing the love and law of God to those who don’t even know there is a God. Matthew 28:18-20 Leaving the best piece of fried chicken for your husband, your wife or your children – or your parents. 2 Corinthians 12:14 Putting God first in your life and being a good example for your family, friends and neighbors – even your enemy. Matthew 6:33 Always looking for ways to help the many people who have been a help to you. Hebrews 6:12 Listening patiently to the aged and infirm when they want to enjoy remembering their youth. Genesis 48 Being respectful of those who have taught you how to know and love God and His family. Hebrews 13:17 Forgiving and forgetting harsh words spoken in pressure-filled times, even if “I’m sorry” is slow to come. Ephesians 4:32 Doing the “right thing”, even when some are trying to get you to do the “wrong thing.” 1 Corinthians 8:13 Expressing words of comfort and love even when such words are not expected. John 11:35 Putting others first, giving honor to whom honor is due, and keeping your own accomplishments to yourself. 1 Peter 5:5 Carl B. Garner

“Love suffers long, and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The Value of Persecution Persecution is a reality of the Christian life. Paul ominously warned that “. . . all who would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). We expect persecution from the world. After all, Jesus said: “A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). The more lamentable reality is this: Occasionally, hateful conduct comes from our own kinsmen in the Lord. Paul was not exempt from such malevolence; he wrote of being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26). For further illustration of this reality, read the apostle’s description of certain envious brethren in Rome who attempted to compound the apostle’s affliction while he languished as a prisoner, awaiting the disposition of his case before Caesar (Phil. 1:12ff). It is difficult to conceive of such ungodly malevolence. And, unfortunately, that noxious species is not extinct. As faithful children of God, however, we must learn to recognize the value of persecution, and even to rejoice therein – not ostentatiously, but in a quiet and humble way. Consider the following. Persecution allows us to share in a special fellowship with our Lord. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul catalogued a number of things he had to forfeit for the cause of Jesus. Such losses, however, he viewed as but “dung” (3:9 KJV), or “refuse” (ASV), that he might share the “fellowship of [Christ’s] sufferings” (3:10). The noble apostle even counted his “bonds” as a “grace” (favor) which God had bestowed upon him (see Philippians 1:7). What a marvelous attitude! Persecution is good for us. The inspired James argues that trials “prove” our faith, work “patience” (endurance) in our lives, and help develop maturity (Jasmes 1:2-4). Steel is tempered in the flames of the forge. The University of Hard Knocks helps to grind off those rough edges that mar character. Yielding graciously to persecution allows one to demonstrate that he is of a superior quality than his adversaries. It is easy to be hateful; but the ugly disposition throws a floodlight upon human weakness. It is much more Christ-like to remain calm, and to respond in kindness, in the face of evil opposition. This is a tremendous challenge, but we have the wonderful example of the Lord to encourage us. Peter says that Jesus, “when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, threatened not” (1 Pet. 2:23). At times, when one is maligned by unspiritual brethren, he is required to admonish himself with the foregoing precedent so beautifully demonstrated by the Lord. Particularly is this the case, for example, if he is aware of devastating “skeletons” that lie buried within some of his adversaries’ “closets.” The genuine Christian must employ a greater ethical code than that to which his detractors subscribe. Persecution enables us to value the sweet consolation of true friends. Conflict sometimes brings faithful children of God together in a thrilling way they might not have known otherwise. Affliction can stimulate the Lord’s people toward a greater resolve to love one another. There’s nothing like an ugly example to help the more mature escalate toward a higher level of brotherly love. And so, when we think about it seriously, we can thrust ourselves forward, even in the face of adversarial conflict, and press on. We can thank God for his grace, and for his patience with us all. We can express gratitude for those whom we love in the Lord, and who stand with us in times of distress. And we can pray for those who would accuse, misuse, or abuse us (see 2 Corinthians 11:24; Romans 10:1). Wayne Jackson