Being on the brink of tears makes me think of something my friend and I read together a few nights ago: the story in Luke 7 of the sinful woman who dared approach Jesus in the house of a Pharisee. What exactly she intended to do isn't clear... she probably meant to anoint his head, a sign of honour. Instead, she broke down. She "stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment" (Luke 7:38).
There's a LOT in this story, but what stands out to me right now is the way Jesus reacted to the sight of this woman, a perfect stranger, losing all semblance of control over herself and falling passionately down at his feet. Imagine if the same thing happened to you! This was not any more normal in that culture than in this one. Strong emotion is a difficult thing to deal with, and few of us can handle it--even in those we know and love--with great grace.
Yet here is Jesus: forgiving her, honouring her, accepting her contrition, her tears, and her kisses. He isn't shaken to the core, because at his core is compassion, and that compassion flows out to her in quiet welcome. He doesn't write her approach off as dangerous overemotionalism. He answers the prayer she doesn't dare voice--"Your sins are forgiven you." And he releases her into a new life, a new identity. She is no longer a wreck of a woman, a sorry example of humanity destroyed within and without. She is one who loves much, for she has been forgiven much.
It comforts me to know that God has great patience and compassion toward us even when our emotions are raging out of control, when we're pushed beyond the point of acting "normally." I'm gladdened to know that this compassion is in Jesus, because I know that it will be extended to me, in hundreds of ways, throughout my life.
This longing for proof in God seems to happen most often when people are in some sort of serious trouble. Humans tend to flock to the supernatural when they can not find answers anywhere else. In God and his words they find comfort and hope. Because of this belief, comfort and hope, people worship and pray to God and take part in rituals such as lighting candles and attending a church service weekly. In doing so they are making an effort to absorb the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Some people think women should not be allowed to serve as ministers or deacons in church. What is the logic behind this thought? Women more often stay at home to look after their house and also to bring up their children. Providing good upbringing to young minds is the most important job a person does. If women can be trusted to bring up kids, who when they grow up will be at responsible position in their life like being a doctor, an engineer, banker, etc. If women can do such jobs which mould the future of an individual, then why cannot they hold important positions in the church?
God wants us to be generous and kind to others. We should distribute and donate some part of what we earn. You can donate money as well as physical goods. It is your choice but, you should give the gift with a pure heart. When you gift something, the motive behind it should not be getting a return for it. You should not barter that if I do something for the poor then, God should reciprocate me by doing something good for me. This type of gift is not pure and you are doing it for some personal advantage. God wants people to gift with a pure heart without any strings attached to the act of gifting.
Over the time, many different days of celebration and festivity have been made to mark important times in the life of Christ. For example, Christmas, which has gained renowned praises from people all over the world, is a festival of joy and happiness. The giving of gifts is commonly associated with Christmas is related to the will to donate and give to others in need.
Gift giving can be done in a variety of ways, but it should always be done with the personality of the receiver in mind. For example, many people today are concerned about being healthy. Thus, you should make sure your gifts for these people enable them to take part in healthy living. Healthy gifts are available in many places such as local markets, department stores, and even the internet. One example of a healthy gift is a gift basket. These are available in a wide variety of types and sizes, for all different kinds of people!
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