Selwin Still Knocking and Walking

Looking for more birds

This week was tough but it was way better than last week.  After three straight days of rain the sun came out and we got out before it decided to fall again. But it didn't, so hooray.  Well, not until Sunday but that was just motivation to finish the week off even stronger despite the weather.

We walked a ton this week as well and my companion's toe was not doing him any justice because of an ingrown toenail.  But he pushed on and so did I. As we were out knocking doors this Sunday we were not having any success but past experiences have always encouraged me to keep going.  We came to this one house where an older gentleman stepped out.  We told him why we were there and he was willing to listen to us so we taught him. During teaching him about the love of God, he mentioned he was going to get vengeance on all those who had crossed him because the Bible (Old Testament) said so. So I felt prompted to share the experience of Jesus Christ on the cross and how he forgave those who were crucifying Him.

In the past this was a concept I struggled with and I would always say if I was the one being crucified, I didn't know if I could forgive anyone, but the Lord has opened my understanding a lot more.  So now I know despite what we are facing we need to make an about turn and see everyone like Christ sees them. Yes, forgiving someone is hard but just think of how many times you have been forgiven by the Lord.  Think of what it took for you to gain that forgiveness in the first place, the Atonement of God's Only Begotten Son. If we see and treat others and love them the same way the Lord loves us we will then see them as He sees them, and that is as His loved sons and daughters.

In Matthew 5:44-48, the Savior taught:

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Truly the Savior knew what He was talking about.  It is my plea you will follow His teachings and His example, for in the eyes of the Lord our God we are all the same, each seeking after the loving and forgiving arm of the most high God.