'Encourage each other and help tackle the negativity around'

We have all done this. If we stood at the mirror with a ‘younger photo’, ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall’, perhaps the next question would be ‘why didn’t you tell me’.

I think the honest answer is we don’t really want to know. We like to hear and see good in ourselves, don’t we?

How many of us have stopped watching these news programs, or taken the time to let them know how we feel?

Am I the only one who feels they create the news now rather than report it? But what have I done about it? Nothing.

Jesus says we are to be a light shining in the darkness. Perhaps that means we should be people lighting up the gloom and negativity around!

People have been critical of our government during these days of covid. Did they get everything right? Absolutely not. Are some of the messages coming from them as we make our way out confusing? Yes.

I wonder if you have considered the difficulties they face.

The many different needs, industries, questions and desires they face from an entire country.

Does this mean they couldn’t do better? Of course they could. But given the unending agendas and demands they face, while dealing with an unprecedented pandemic and trying to maintain the country, could any of us have done better?

Jesus gives many examples of how we should be forgiving, understanding and compassionate. Patient and loving, gracious and encouraging. All the things we like to think we are. The answer to a better world always begins with ‘ME’.

We need to be more open to the truth of ourselves, how we let others influence us. We are in a time of confusion and worry, a time when we need to realise only God can make the real difference. He doesn’t have agendas. He sees us all equally and wants the same for us all. He is not judgemental, but patient, gracious and loving.

Paul, in the Bible is the perfect example. He literally opposed Jesus. He describes himself of the worst of all. Yet, he is constantly filled with joy. He knew the grace, love and patience of Jesus. The positive affect of his way of life. No one has had a greater, more lasting and positive effect than Paul. He encourages people to know Jesus. He urges us to encourage and build each other up.

Is that who we are?