“I’ve never done anyone any harm. I’m sure God will let me into heaven.” The above statement sounds reasonable and surely no-one could disagree if anyone said this. It has been said many times by many people who feel that God will not keep them out of heaven because they have not harmed anyone deliberately.
But does it really make sense?
If I see someone hurt and I ignore them, what does it say about me. I haven’t hurt them, just ignored them! Or if I see a child being attacked by another child in the street should I walk away as it has nothing to do with me? How does this fit in with loving God and loving our neighbour? The bible makes it clear that the way to heaven does not depend on what we do or don’t do, but instead is a free gift which is ours for the asking! And when we accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we then come under the ‘Law’ as given to us in the scriptures.
Jesus gave us a summary of the law during the sermon on the mount in Matthew chapter 7. He said this: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” Here Jesus calls us not to ignore those around but instead to treat them as we would want them to treat us. What a wonderful world we would have if we all followed this simple rule.
So this springtime, look around you and see what you and I can do to help those around us. Treat them like you would want to be treated yourself. We all make mistakes and hope to be forgiven – others should expect the same from us. We sometimes get it wrong – allow others the same privilege!
Above all, remember that God loves us totally and absolutely, and his love does not depend on our behaviour. Oh if only we could be the same!!!!
God bless
Adam