“Then he (Jesus) said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him (the believer who didn’t spread God’s love) and give it to the one (the believer who spread God’s love the most) who has ten minas.’ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ ‘He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. But those enemies of mine (The Pharisees) who did not want me to be king over them – bring them here and kill them in front of me.”
Believers are called to be the body of Christ. The believer who didn’t spread God’s love doesn’t attempt to be the hands and feet of Christ and will earn no reward. They will lose everything except citizenship in heaven. “Their work will be shown for what it is. … Fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)
Love is like a clanging symbol unless it’s given away, so it’s only the gain on God’s mina (love) that has worth. If one doesn’t love, their work isn’t valuable. The Pharisees, who hold people to strict laws, judge others. They want Jesus’ job, not Jesus. They are the enemies who kill Him, so Jesus gives them like punishment. They need to experience what they’re doing to others, so they understand their effect. It’s the only way they’ll realize they need a savior. The punishment still sounds severe when we don’t understand death. Our body, the part of us that has negative worth if it judges and doesn’t spread love, dies. Our spirits, capable of loving, live on and are given a new body.
Yes, the Pharisees will go through judgment, and Jesus will make them experience regret so they know they need a savior. But Jesus has mercy on everyone. (Romans 11:32) He will love them and teach them to love. There is no greater gift.
Dearest Father God, thank you for Your love. Give me Your Holy Spirit to spread it with power. Use my body to do Your work, this Christmas season and always, so I receive rewards and not judgment in heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
The time of giving approaches. Yesterday, Trey and I visited with a minister and his wife that live in Sunset Bay. They are organizing 10 Thanksgiving baskets that will be given to needy families, their children attend the Elementary school. These families would most likely not have a Thanksgiving dinner if it wasn’t for this minister and his wife. Trey and I took canned goods and stuffing mix to be put in the baskets for these families. When we were walking back to the car, Trey tugged on my arm and said, “Nonny, did we just do a good deed?” Yep, Trey, we were trying to spread God’s love.” So, important for little ones to learn the love of God, the gift of spreading His love.
I love that story. Thanks for sharing. What an important lesson for Trey to learn!