"HE HUMBLED HIMSELF...EVEN TO DEATH"

“HE HUMBLED HIMSELF…EVEN TO DEATH Jesus: The Epitome of Humility * Humble Birth "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger..." (Lk. 2:7) * Humble Family "'is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us?' And they took offense at Him." (Mk. 6:3) • Humble Upbringing "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (cf. Jn. 1:46) • Humble Wealth "...'The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."' (Matt. 8:20) * Humble Scholarship "The Jews therefore were marveling, saying 'How has this man become learned, having never been educated?"' (Jn. 7:15) * Humble Appearance "...He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him." (Isa. 53:2b) • Humble Status "But made Himself of no reputation..." (Phil. 2:7, KJV) • Humble Occupation "...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matt. 20:28) • Humble Ability "I can do nothing on My own initiative... (J n. 5:30) • Humble Self Determination "...let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt." (Matt. 26:39)"... I am gentle and humble in heart..." (Matt. 11:29) Author Unknown

"FOR THE LIVING KNOW THAT THEY WILL DIE"

This is a profound statement made by the inspired writer as found in Ecclesiastes 9:5. We know that death is inevitable. In Hebrews 9:27, we read, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” No doubt, millions viewed the funeral services of the late George H. W. Bush, our 41st President; and, many were moved emotionally, especially with the eulogy given by his son, George W. Bush, the former 43rd President. While the average lifespan of the Presidents of the United States has been approximately 71 years, President Bush lived to be 94 years old. He lived a ‘full life’ of service for his country. But he had one thing in common with all of mankind, he died. In this life, men are often separated from each other due to such factors as race, economics, social and educational status, but, there is a common denominator that unites all men and that is the grim reaper called death. Death is no respecter of persons. It matters not whether one is young or old, rich or poor, a king or a peasant, popular or unpopular; death eventually comes to every man and woman. Moses, in referring to the rebellious Israelites, stated, “if these men die naturally like all men, or if they are visited by the common fate of all, then the Lord has not sent me.” In this verse Moses alluded to that which is common to all me, death. Even men who lived in the infancy of the human race and who lived long upon the earth had one thing in common, they died. It is said of Methuselah, “So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died” (Genesis 5:27). The Psalmist asked, “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave?” (Psalms 89:48). It was David who said to his dear friend Jonathan, “...But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death” (I Samuel 20:3). Life is so precious, frail and uncertain. Death on the other hand is ever present. In death it is immaterial whether one is buried in a coffin of gold or wood; whether there is much pomp and ceremony, or just a few words uttered by a friend. The most important thing to be considered is whether or not the deceased person was a child of God. In fact, that is all that really matters - for eternity! Therefore, not knowing the day nor the hour when Christ shall return again nor when death shall come, it behooves each one of us to set our house in order; that is, to give our lives completely to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in Christ Jesus that we have salvation and eternal life (2 Timothy 2:10; I John 5:11, 12). God “desires that all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He gave His only begotten Son to die for the world so that we could be saved (John 3:16,17). As a penitent believer a person should be baptized into Jesus Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:36-38; Galatians 3:26, 27). As a disciple of the Lord, living faithfully the Christian life, heaven will be our eternal home (Matthew 25:34; 2 Timothy 4:7,8). By God’s infinite grace, the sting of death will be removed and victory over the grave will be experienced by the children of God (I Corinthians 15:54-58).

MY THOUGHTS ON THANKSGIVING

“I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your Testimonies” (Psalm 119:59). A thoughtful person is a thankful person. Blessed is the person who meditates on God’s testimonies. To think on the blessings of God, is to thank Him for His infinite grace. Thankfulness to our Heavenly Father produces ‘thanksliving’. We cry out, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits…” (Psalm 103:1,2). Therefore, we are to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As a late night television personality was often heard to say, “I hark” back to the days of my youth. I have memories of some small communities having ‘Thanksgiving dinner’ together in a school building. One of the songs we used to sing was, “We Gather Together”. It was a religious song, one that is seldom sung today. But, the lyrics are so meaningful: “We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing, He chastens and hastens His will to make known; The wicked oppressing cease them from distressing, Sing praises to His name, He forgets not His own. Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining, Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine; So from the beginning the fight we were winning, Thou, Lord, wast at our side, - the glory be Thine!” Almost every year there would be a ‘Thanksgiving Play” in the schools. The song usually sung was, “Over The River And Through The Woods.” Here are a few of the lyrics: “Over the river and through the woods, To grandmother's house we go; The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, Through (the) white and drifted snow! Over the river and through the woods, Oh, how the wind does blow! It stings the toes and bites the nose, As over the ground we go. Over the river and through the woods, To have a first-rate play; Oh, hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ling!" Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!” How fortunate you are, and how grateful you should be, if you have your family together on this, our national holiday, “Thanksgiving”! “Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”

WHAT COLOR WAS SAUL'S (OF TARSUS) HORSE?

The following will be questions that can be found in the New Testament regarding the conversion of a biblical character by the name of Saul, who was a persecutor of the “Way” (22:4). I will give you the basic texts found in the book of Acts. This method will allow you to read the verses from the Bible without my understanding being given of the passages of scriptures. You can read for yourself what the writer, Luke (Acts 1:1;Luke 1:1-4), wrote as he was guided by the Holy Spirit. Here are the passages in the book of Acts: Acts 9:1-19: 22:1-16; 26:1:26. Why was Saul going to Damascus ( 9:1-3;22:4,5)? Did Saul believe that he was doing the will of God by persecuting the disciples of Christ; and, that he did it with all sincerity (23:1;26:9)? What caused Saul to be unable to see (22:6)? Who appeared to Saul on the way to Damascus: (9:3-5)? What effect did this experience have on Saul (9:4;22:6,7)? Who was Saul actually persecuting when he was persecuting the church (8:4;9:4,5;22:7,8)? What were the questions Saul asked the Lord (9:6; 22:10)? In what city was Saul instructed to enter (9:6;22:10)? What did Saul do for three days (9:9,11)? Do you understand that Saul was a believer in Jesus Christ at this point in time; and, that his actions indicated that he was penitent of his sins? What were the basic reasons for the Lord to appear to Saul (22:14,15;26:16-18)? What was the name of the disciple who was sent to speak to Saul (9:10)? What act of faith was Saul instructed that he “must do” (Acts 9:6) in order for his sins to be washed away (forgiven) (Acts 22:16)? The question may be asked, did Saul, in fact, obey this command (See Romans 6:1-4)? Please notice the plural pronouns, “us” and “we”, which would include Paul who wrote the book of Romans (1:1). Oh, I have not dealt with the question that is the title of this article, “What color was Saul’s (of Tarsus) horse?” You know, that is a very interesting question. I have seen pictures and videos of Saul riding a horse on the way from Jerusalem to Damascus; however, would you believe, there is no passage of Scripture that informs us he was even riding one. I sincerely thank you for your time and interest in this study of God’s Holy Word.

THOUGHTS ON PRAYER

“Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?” Remember alway to “pray in the Morning, pray at the Noontime, pray in the Evening, Pray anytime;. Pray when you are happy. Pray when in sorrow, Pray when you’re tempted, Pray all the time.” Be sure to “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” It is a good to have this “Sweet Hour of prayer”. How wonderful that we can go to “The garden of prayer” and meet with our Heavenly Father. You can rest assured that “prayer will change the night to day”. As Christians, we can truly say, “I Need Thee Every Hour”. In this life, with all its sorrows and trials, “Savior, grant me rest and peace”. During the storms of life, “Shelter us under Thy wings’. As children of God how wonderful to know, “What a friend we have in Jesus’. When discouragements and trials come our way, we have the wonderful privilege to “Tell it to Jesus alone”. “Dear God and Father of mankind”, please know that “I am Thine, O Lord”. When we draw near to the end of our days, please “Abide with me”. It is in humility that we say, “My faith looks up to Thee”. As we close these thoughts, please Heavenly Father, “Hear me when I call, O God, my righteousness, Unto thee I come in weakness and distress; Hold my trembling hand, lest helpless I should fall, O hear me, Lord, hear me, O hear me when I call. Hear my voice, O God, and cleanse my soul within, Mercy do I need for all my doubts and sin, Only in Thy grace I trust my all in all, O hear me, Lord, hear me, O hear me when I call.”

"BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL"

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefit…” (Psalm 103:1, 2). For whatever reason that David had experienced in his life, he was moved to write this beautiful Psalm (Of course, guided by the Holy Spirit). His heart was overflowing with the need of blessing the Lord for all that God had done for him. Should we not possess the same kind of heart as David? Consider all that the Lord has done for us, physically and especially spiritually. All the perfect and good gifts come from God (James 1:18). His Son, Jesus Christ, died for us on Calvary’s cross, so that we could be forgiven by His precious blood (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7). I want to encourage our brethren who lead our minds in prayers during our worship assemblies to include expressions of praise and gratitude for all that God has done, and is doing for us. It is sad to note there are times when prayers are led wherein brethren fail to express thanks for God’s grace, mercy, love, lovingkindness, and His longsuffering. How can this be? Petitions, supplications and intercessions are expressed; however, there is a great need of our expressions of gratitude! (1 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6) in our prayers. Let us “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name, For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:4, 5).

"BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS"

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” These are the words of the “Prince of Peace”, Jesus Christ, as found in Matthew 5:9. This beatitude is somewhat different from the rest, such as those who are “poor in spirit”, “those who mourn”, “the meek”, “those who hunger and thirst after righteousness”, and, “the merciful”. The reason being, the expression, “the peacemakers” implies an action on the part of the disciples. It an adjective signifying peace-making. The “peacemaker” is to give “diligence to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesian 4:3). The “peacemaker” has to have “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in his heart. Paul wrote in Romans 5:1,2: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” We are not only to be ‘peaceful’, we are to be peacemakers. Abraham Lincoln said: “Die when I may, let be said of me that I always pulled up a weed and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.” Today, we need more people who will ‘plant flowers’ and ‘pull up the weeds’; meaning, there is a great need in our world to have more ‘peacemakers’ instead of ‘peace-breakers’! The Lord knows we have too many ‘peace-breakers’ in His church, in our community and in our nation. We live in turbulent times. Everywhere we find hatred, bigotry, prejudice, racism and violence existing, even in own nation. It doesn’t take much skill to cause confusion in a family, in the church or in our society. It isn’t easy, however, to be a peacemaker because you will be most likely criticized from every side. But, the ‘peacemaker’ is one who had rather suffer injury than to inflict injury upon others. He had rather settle difficulties through prayer than through force. This is the first beatitude “which shows blessedness pronounced as alighting upon a person, not in the first for some personal quality, grace or virtue, but his works sake in the interest of others, whether of family, the world or the church” - “For they shall be called sons of God.” The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:8-11, that if we love life, we should “seek peace and pursue it”Christians are to “Pursue peace with all people” (Hebrews 12:14). Of course, there is not to be compromise when truth is involved. The question is, Am I am a ‘peacemaker’ or a ‘peace-breaker’? “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” These are the words of the “Prince of Peace”, Jesus Christ, as found in Matthew 5:9. This beatitude is somewhat different from the rest, such as those who are “poor in spirit”, “those who mourn”, “the meek”, “those who hunger and thirst after righteousness”, and, “the merciful”. The reason being, the expression, “the peacemakers” implies an action on the part of the disciples. It an adjective signifying peace-making. The “peacemaker” is to give “diligence to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesian 4:3). The “peacemaker” has to have “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in his heart. Paul wrote in Romans 5:1,2: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” We are not only to be ‘peaceful’, we are to be peacemakers. Abraham Lincoln said: “Die when I may, let be said of me that I always pulled up a weed and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.” Today, we need more people who will ‘plant flowers’ and ‘pull up the weeds’; meaning, there is a great need in our world to have more ‘peacemakers’ instead of ‘peacebreakers’! The Lord knows we have too many ‘peacebreakers’ in His church, in our community and in our nation. We live in turbulent times. Everywhere we find hatred, bigotry, prejudice, racism and violence existing, even in own nation. It doesn’t take much skill to cause confusion in a family, in the church or in our society. It isn’t easy, however, to be a peacemaker because you will be most likely criticized from every side. But, the ‘peacemaker’ is one who had rather suffer injury than to inflict injury upon others. He had rather settle difficulties through prayer than through force. This is the first beatitude “which shows blessedness pronounced as alighting upon a person, not in the first for some personal quality, grace or virtue, but his works sake in the interest of others, whether of family, the world or the church” - “For they shall be called sons of God.” The apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:8-11, that if we love life, we should “seek peace and pursue it”.Christians are to “Pursue peace with all people” (Hebrews 12:14). Of course, there is not to be compromise when truth is involved. The question is, Am I am a ‘peacemaker’ or a ‘peace-breaker’?

MARRIAGE IN OUR SECULAR SOCIETY

We now live in a secular society in our nation. One aspect of a society that no longer respects the authority of the Almighty God, as found in His Holy Word, is the disregard of what He teaches regarding the sanctity of marriage. The following is one definition of the word, “Secularization”: “Secularization refers to the historical process in which religion loses social and cultural significance. As a result of secularization the role of religion in modern societies becomes restricted. In secularized societies faith lacks cultural authority, religious organizations have little social power, and public life proceeds without reference to the supernatural. Secularization captures a long-term societal change, but it has consequences for religion itself. In Western countries, where it has been most pronounced, it has made the connection to their Christian heritage more tenuous. Yet secularization is important beyond the formerly Christian West, given that many of the forces that first sustained it there affect other societies as well.” - Frank J. Lechner It is generally understood that a structure is no stronger than its foundation. This is true of civil governments and nations. When the foundation has been weakened, society is most likely to crumple, decay and implode. In Psalm 11:3 we read, “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” The foundation of any civilization is the family unit. Someone has rightly said, “As the home goes, so goes the nation.” In our country, the traditional understanding of marriage and the home is under attack by Satan and our secular society. Biblically speaking, marriage is the joining together of a man and a woman as husband and wife (See Genesis 2:20-25; Matthew 19:4-6 & Ephesians 5:22-33). This is God’s design for marriage and the home, and believers in His Holy Word are bound by the will of the Heavenly Father in this important matter. In today’s society, same sex marriages have become acceptable, even among some religious adherents. It is estimated that 40 percent of children are born outside of marriage. These are only two examples that manifest a total disregard of objective truth regarding God’s design for the sacredness of marriage as found in the Bible. Here are a couple of passages of Scriptures that should be considered by all: Proverbs 14:34: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Psalm 9:17: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God” (NKJV). “Every violation of truth is a stab at the health of human society.” - Emerson.

"EXTREMES BEGAT EXTREMES"

I remember well these words spoken by a wise and knowledgeable teacher of mine when I was in college. Brother Rex A Turner, Sr. had many ‘sayings’ but this is the one I want to emphasize presently. I have lived long enough (83 years) to know factually and by experience that this is true in our society today. He also said that a man need a “Balance wheel”, which we sorely need today. We are people of ‘extremism’. This is so evident today in the political world. Seemingly there is no ‘middle ground’ for some of our elected officials, and, in society in general. It is truly sad to witness the prejudice, bigotry and hatred manifested in our country. You can find such attitudes in people of different races and ethnic backgrounds. When you watch the news on television, or, read the newspapers, you can be assured the actions of such extreme attitudes of various individuals and/or groups are reported. I am reminded of the opening sentence in the book, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, written by Charles Dickens (1857): “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” In short, the description of the society in which the author lived, describes, in many ways, our present extreme attitudes and actions of our own time. As Christians, we should follow the teachings of Jesus Christ who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:17, 18, “Repay no one evil for evil, Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” In Hebrews 12:14, we read, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” We should not only be children of God who possess “the peace of God, which passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7); we must be “peacemakers” in the church and in society. And that , my friends, is a great challenge for all who are followers of the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The following should be the prayer of all Christians. “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love.” - Francis of Assisi

IF THERE IS NO HELL, CAN THERE BE A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN?

Now, think with me. If there is no hell, then we cannot believe in the Bible because hell is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures as being a real place. And, if the Bible is not reliable, God did not create the heavens and the earth as claimed in Genesis chapter one. Neither can we believe in God even though the Bible states that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Additionally, we cannot believe in the Holy Spirit regardless of what the apostle Peter wrote, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2:20, 21). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, that, what he had received and spoke was from the “Holy Spirit.” And, if there is not a place called hell, how can we believe in the one who mentioned hell more than any person in the Bible. Did you know that the word “hell” (Greek, Gehenna) is found 12 times in the New Testament? In the book of James, we read that the “tongue is set on fire by hell” (3:6). Eleven times you will find the word “hell” mentioned in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke. You will find expressions like, “hell fire” (Mt.5:22); “eternal fire” (Mt.18:8); “son of hell” (Mt. 23:15). Do you know who used the word “hell” and these expressions? It was Jesus Christ! If there is not a place called hell, how can we believe in the person called Jesus Christ, because He often spoke of that terrible place. If we do not believe in Jesus Christ when He spoke about hell, how can we trust Him when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this”(John 11:25, 26)? Or, the beautiful and precious promise He made in John 14:1-3: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God believe also in Me. “In My Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so,I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” And then, there is that final and grand invitation extended to all who have believed in Him and have given their lives to Him: “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 25:34). My friends, can you not understand the fatal and final results of such illogical reasoning by rejecting the biblical truth that teaches there is a terrible place call hell? But thanks be to God that He is, that the Holy Spirit inspired the writings of the Holy Scriptures; and, Jesus Christ died for our sins so we could be saved. And, that by His grace, we have the precious promise of being with all the redeemed in heaven when this life is over. God does not desire that anyone should die and go to the awful place call hell (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

"AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER"

The apostle Paul, after he had given directives to “put off” the “old man” , that is their former way of life; and, to “put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness”, he continues to list certain sins that should not be descriptive of the life of a Christian (Ephesians 4:22-31). Paul concludes this section of his letter to the Ephesian brethren by giving them this positive exhortation:“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). It is the word, “kind”, that I want to emphasize presently. It is an adjective that describes the heart and action of a devoted Christian. Paul stated that “love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). In 2 Peter 1:7, we are admonished, in our Christian growth, to add faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness and “to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” In Galatians 5:22, we read that “kindness” is one of the “fruit of the Spirit”. The apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:12, instructs us to “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Albert Barnes, in his ‘Barnes Notes on the Bible’, commented on the word “kind” as found in Ephesians 4:32: “There is no religion in a sour, misanthropic temper; none in rudeness, stiffness, and repulsiveness; none in violating the rules of good breeding. There is a hollow-hearted politeness, indeed, which the Christian is not to aim at or copy. His politeness is to be based on "kindness;" His courtesy is to be the result of love, good-will, and a desire of the happiness of all others; and this will prompt to the kind of conduct that will render his conversation. with others agreeable and profitable”. One of the most important reasons as to why we should be kind to one another is found in the word itself. Please remove the letter (d) from “kind” and what do you have? You have ‘kin’. One definition of the word ‘kin’ is, “a group of persons of common ancestry”. Jesus said, “But you, do not be called Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren” (Matthew 23:8). He saying that we are not to elevate one brother above another; rather, we are all brothers and sisters on the same level. But how did we all become ‘kinsfolk’, spiritually speaking? The answer is found in Galatians 3:26-29: “(F)or in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” And being ‘kin’ to one another, we will also be “tenderhearted” and “forgiving”, because we are brothers and sister in Jesus Christ. We are God’s family! (Ephesians 3:14, 15)