John 7 2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4 For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, show thyself to the world. 5 For neither did his brethren believe in him. 6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. 8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast: for my time is not yet full come. 9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. 10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? 12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. 13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
That was good, thanks for the reminder.
RE your title:
I don’t appear to have any great lack in this department.
Thanks for thought-provoking post.
Well, with increasing instance and severity, we Catholics certainly are. Why, certain groups here on the FR religion forum take care of a good chunk of that on their own! :-0
It’s really tough when you become a born-again believer and your family turns its back on you. But I always had to laugh, when they were in trouble, they knew who to come to for help or prayer. I’d rather be hated for His sake than have the approval of man.
Psalm 82
A Psalm of Asaph.
1GOD STANDS in the assembly [of the representatives] of God; in the midst of the magistrates or judges He gives judgment [as] among the gods.
2How long will you [magistrates or judges] judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
3Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy.
4Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked.
5[The magistrates and judges] know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in the darkness [of complacent satisfaction]; all the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles upon which rests the administration of justice] are shaking.
6I said, You are gods [since you judge on My behalf, as My representatives]; indeed, all of you are children of the Most High.(A)
7But you shall die as men and fall as one of the princes.
8Arise, O God, judge the earth! For to You belong all the nations.(B)
Cross references:
1. Psalm 82:6 : John 10:34-36; Rom 13:1, 2
2. Psalm 82:8 : Rev 11:15
Matt 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
The Lord here says TEACH -- make disciples (students). A person cannot be an effective teacher by antagonizing, insulting or mocking their student. A good teacher shows respect and allows the student to process any truths in private. A good teacher will share an idea that is precious... an idea that changed their life for the better.
In our religion, we understand 'nations' to mean all the states of goodness within a person. So when the Lord says 'disciples of all the nations', appeal to the good in the person (student). We all have a choice to be good (charitable) or be right. I know that good will get a person to heaven. Right may get you arguing religion to eternity.
We see it every day. All we can do is keep preaching The Gospel and pray for the lost.