More Than Anything

Bible Texts: Matthew 19:26, John 6:40, 2 Peter 3:9

Jesus plainly stated that if we trust Him, He will grant us eternal life.  This promise is meant to give us hope and peace.  But I have to be honest and say that I find it difficult to feel the job He intended His words to provide.  Is it possible you can hear about something so many times that it ceases to have an effect on you?  I think about how many times I’ve heard my pastor extol the “blessed hope” of the resurrection, about how many times I’ve talked about it, sung about it, and read about it.  Still, at times the resurrection seems like a far-off hope that is only relevant to those who are near death.

Do you wonder if the promise to eternal life has any practical implications for the here and now? If so, I would answer this way:

Learn to love your neighbour Because there is a resurrection, your neighbour today might just be your neighbour forever.  Remember, the resurrection isn’t just for you and your friends.  God wants to save everyone (2 Peter 3:9).  In that “everyone” there’s bound to be some people you won’t like.  For example, the co-worker who tried to undermine you, the person at church who spreads rumours about you, the friend you disrespected and to whom you never apologised, or the person who is living an alternative lifestyle.  We won’t be able to agree to stay away from each other in the hereafter.

Find a specific reason to love your neighbour This is not an easy task, but if there were ever a situation where the promise of Matthew 19:26 applies, it is this.  Some people seem impossible to love, but Jesus said that “with God all things are possible”.

Forget about all the times people have wronged you Let God take care of these situations.  Ask Him to help you forgive these people.  Some of them just might be living near you in Heaven!

SDA Collegiate Lesson Study