Go and do likewise

Recently a dear brother in Christ demonstrated great grace towards me.   Following this situation it prompted and encouraged  me to likewise extend grace to others around me.  This pattern of reciprocal grace is founded in Scripture.  The ultimate giver of grace and all good things is God (James 1:17).  On numerous occasions the Scriptures teach that God is good and gracious (ie. Psalm 107:1, I Peter 5:10).  The Scriptures also teach that upon our individual reception of God's goodness and graciousness we are to likewise express goodness and graciousness to others.  Consider the examples of reciprocal conduct found in scripture.

Humility- Christ demonstrated great humble service toward us; therefore we should express humble service to others.
   - John 13:13-15, The story of Jesus washing the disciples feet.

       ¹³ Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.  ¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

   -  Phil 2:5-11, The account of Christ's humble incarnation and humble death.

         5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Love:  As Christ loved us so should we love others.

     - John 15:12,

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Forgiveness: As believers have been forgiven of theirs sins by God so should they forgive others when wronged.
      - Eph. 4:32,  

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. 

       - Mt 18:22-35 parable of the man who was forgiven much but refused to forgive others of little. 

Kindness:  As God had freed Israel from bondage so Israel was to not enslave others.
        - Exodus 22:21;  

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt

        - Exodus 23:9, Lev 19:34

Comfort: As God gives us comfort so we are to extend comfort to others.
        - II Cor 1:3-4,

³ Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; ⁴ Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Doing good to enemies: As God does good to all, of which we are reciepients, so we should do good to all.

        - Mt 5:45,

⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵ That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

 It is vital that we grasp the incredible nature of God and also his marvelous kindness to us that we may do likewise to others.  How well do you grasp God's goodness to you?  How well do you express goodness to others?

A great book resource

Ecc 12:12, Of making many books there is no end.  As one wanders through Amazon or a University library one would have to agree.  As a college freshman doing research the difficult question was which book is a good book?  Is john or bob a better author. Sound book recommends are a tremendous blessing in utilizing time and money most effectively. The link below is to Detroit Theological Seminary's recommended book list. 

http://www.dbts.edu/pdf/Booklist.pdf

Why this Blog?

With the many blogs on the internet why the need for another one?
I felt the need and desire to start this blog for a few simple reasons. As I study the Word of God there are many many marvelous truths that are discovered in its wonderful pages.  One desire for the blog  is to simply share these thoughts with family, friends and whoever else should desire.  Another reason for the blog is to purposefully declare Biblical correction and instruction in contrast to prevailing worldly thoughts and beliefs.

I am not a lengthy writer as my present post will indicate.  My desire is to state Biblical truths, meditations and applications concisely, regularly and  hopefully beneficially to those who read. Please comment or email me thoughts and questions that posts may produce.