Pay It Forward!

We are often very comfortable with being reciprocal; giving back in like kind to those who have given. What others do for us we are generally willing to do for them. However, the Scriptures encourage action that moves way beyond that sphere. Consider three contexts in which such was implied.

Remember Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant. ( Matthew 18:23-35)
"(32) Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. (33) And should not you have had MERCY ON YOUR FELLOW SERVANT, AS I HAD MERCY ON YOU?'" ( Matthew 18:32-33 ESV)

The focus of mercy was not that of returning it to the one who had first extended it (though if such a situation arose that would be proper), but rather it was to be extended to others to whom we are in a position to extend it.

Remember when Jesus washed the disciples' feet. ( John 13:1-15)
"(13) You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. (14) If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have WASHED YOUR FEET, you also ought to WASH ONE ANOTHER'S feet." ( John 13:13-14 ESV)

Jesus was not trying to get them to wash His feet. He was trying to get them to focus on serving each other. The example Jesus set was to become evident in their own lives as they extended that same kind of humble service to others.

Remember the exhortation of John.
"(19) WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US. (20) If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (21) And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God MUST ALSO LOVE HIS BROTHER." ( 1 John 4:19-21 ESV)

Certainly we are to love God Who has demonstrated His love for us in so many ways. However, because of His great love for us, we cannot get around loving others. Though the world is more than willing to love those who love them, we are to love even our enemies. ( Matthew 5:44)

Paying it forward. Not simply returning favor for favor. Is that what marks our life as we strive to walk in the steps of Jesus? Having received MERCY, having been SERVED, and having been LOVED, we are in a logical position to extend such to others. May we impact those around us through such Christ-like living.

Have a great day SHOWING GOD APPRECIATION BY SERVING OTHERS!
Carl

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