June 30, 2015 – Luke 6:37

If you don’t want to be judged, don’t judge. If you don’t want to be condemned, don’t condemn. If you want to be forgiven, forgive. Luke 6:37“I’m sorry I ate the last cookie!”  “I didn’t mean to hurt you, little brother.”  Were you ever spanked  and then hugged by your Mom or Dad?  What does the hug say?  It says, “I’m sorry.”  “I forgive you.”  When they hug you after punishment, whether it be time out or a spanking or a swat — that is forgiveness.There is someone who loves you more than your Mom or Dad.  And that is Jesus.  Put your hand to your mouth and blow your breath out.  Feel the breath?  That breath comes from God.  You are loved so much.  Sometimes God disciplines us all to make us ready to live with Him.  He was with us and knew us before we were born.  Next time you are in time out — remember Who loves you the most.Did you know that someday Jesus is coming again and will take you to His House to live forever?  Jesus gave his life on the cross to take away and forgive things we do wrong.  He gave his all.  His gift of love will return to Him when we return his love.To help us learn to give our hearts to Him, Jesus wants us to give to each other.  Giving a gift is like giving a hug.  You can’t give a hug, without getting a hug in return and it makes room for more hugs, Give the last cookie to someone else.  Smile at someone.  All this is practicing Love the way God wants it.Go, give a hug and watch them hug you back.  Tell your Mom and Dad you love them.Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.  Luke 6:38