GOOD Relationships with OTHERS Be GOOD to EVERYBODY! Like JESUS Did, Like JESUS Commanded

Luke 14:12-14 Then He [Jesus] also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Luke 14:12-14 Then He [Jesus] also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid.

Luke 14:12-14 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Good Relationships with Everyone Don’t JUST be nice with:  People in the Church  Family & Friends (people you like)  Rich kids (people you can benefit from) But ALSO be ESPECIALLY nice to:  People who don’t have friends  People in need (poor physically)  People far from God (poor spiritually)  People who don’t yet know God & can’t see God (blind) Don’t do favours to get favours back (on earth) Do good deeds to those who can’t pay you back here … God will pay you back Himself (in heaven & on earth)

MEMORY VERSE “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved [Each of us is LIKE CHRIST to Christians … those being saved.] and among those who are perishing.” [We are ALSO to be LIKE CHRIST to those who don’t yet know God!] Be Good (fragrance of Christ) to those in the Church (Christians) who are being saved. Be Good (fragrance of Christ) to those who are far from God (are perishing). Even though they may be perishing, There is still HOPE, They have not yet perished … Through your fragrance of CHRIST, they can all still be saved!

From The Life of Saint Macarius the Great

With Love & Humility Saint Macarius converts a pagan priest to be Christian A disciple of this Saint met a pagan priest (idol worshiper) and called him a demon (to insult him). The pagan priest beat the monk almost to death! However, Saint Macarius met the pagan priest right after this and behaved kindly to him. This kind behaviour affected the pagan, and he held the feet of Saint Macarius feet and said: “You are a man of God; I will not let you go until you make me a monk!” Following the pagan priest, many other pagans also converted to Christ. Saint Macarius told his disciples: “A bad word makes bad even the good, but a good word makes good even the bad.”

Another Great Saint Story of Love in Action Saint Bishoy helps an old man One day of all of the monks in Saint Bishoy’s monastery heard that Jesus was coming to visit! So they all were excited and went to see the Lord. On the way, there was a poor old man that asked the monks to help him. But they ignored him (they were in a hurry). When Saint Bishoy saw the old man he helped him back to his room. He washed the old man’s feet (as was the custom in those days). The old man then revealed himself to be Jesus!

Saint Bishoy Beloved of our Good Saviour

REMEMBER Jesus loves me, and wants me to behave well. That way, people see Jesus in my behaviour! Love is not a feeling, love is an action! –L–Love is a commandment (order) from Jesus –L–Love (be kind), even if you don’t “feel” like it –I–It will be easier to love, the more you practice … PRACTICE Show the love of Jesus to everyone Show true Christian, Unconditional love Love family, friends, loved ones (this is easy) Also love those who don’t love you back (this is tougher, ask God’s help) Also love (be kind to) those who can’t pay you back SPIRITUAL EXERCISE Worship God, kneel down, cross yourself, and stand up (Metonyas) Jesus Prayer (My Lord Jesus Christ, … help me to be nice to everybody)

MEMORY VERSE “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15