Tuesday, January 26, 2021
WWJD
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Read Matthew 5:3-12 – The Beatitudes
Do you remember those bracelets that said “WWJD?” I have one. They were there to remind us to ask the question before we spoke or did something: What would Jesus do? If you take the time to read the Beatitudes you will find an outline of what Jesus taught. No matter what version of Scripture you read, you’ll find Jesus taking a stand counter to popular culture. Nowhere in Jesus’ teachings do I find the kind of self-centeredness that seems to be part of the present society. Social media gives rise to verbiage that may be more an expression of reactive thinking. This encourages others who may have reacted the same way. From social media exchanges to mobilizing public outrage seems to take a matter of seconds. Then we see dangerous action as a result.
Is this what Jesus wanted us to do? What would Jesus do? During this present moment, deciding what we should be doing is something that takes time and needs to be governed by the rule of love, love like Jesus has for us. The picture I see when I ask myself these questions is Jesus weeping over Jerusalem. (Luke 19:41-42 As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”
Can we take a breath, search the Scriptures and ask the question again? What would Jesus do? This is my fervent prayer.
Lord Jesus, teacher and friend: Help us to learn from You what we must do in this difficult world. Help us to love one another as you have loved us. Make us strong enough to seek peace, humble enough to sacrifice, open enough to hear your Word of truth. We pray in the knowledge of your eternal love. Amen.
Sue Uzelmeier
