Do you see yourself the way you really are? Your true self is a spiritual being, but you are immersed in a culture that values superficial appearances, and so you can become alienated from the truth of your own being. Yet part of my promise of redemption and transformation is to learn to see things the way they really are. He who is spiritual judges all things. In this process you will learn to see others as they really are as well, even if they have the same problem of not knowing themselves. This opens the door for you to minister to them with truth and love and light to their real self.

Do you consider it important to forgive others? This is easier if they offer contrite apologies. Does it also help if they make restoration in the matter of the offense? Yet some things cannot be restored to their original condition. Will you withhold forgiveness indefinitely waiting for something that cannot happen? Acknowledging the offense and accepting the consequences are inherent in the process of forgiveness. Forgiveness should not be contingent on restitution which is a separate matter. As much as you would like the justice of restoration it is better to do without it than remain in the poison of unforgiveness.

Do you live in a democracy? That means that you can take part in the process of selecting your leaders, and this is better than having rule imposed on you without your involvement. Churches also have leaders, but you have even greater freedom of action here. If your candidate loses the election you are still a citizen of the country, but you are able to choose which church you attend, which includes the pastor. Then they watch for your souls and will give an account for you. Make your selection with diligence for you may do it with wisdom, or not. Do not choose what is easiest but what is best for you.

I said that this would be the sign that you were my disciples, that you had love one for another. Yet I also said that if you were good only to those who were good to you, then you would have no reward in heaven. If you identify strongly with a little group, or a large one with strong distinctive features, then people expect you to treat your fellow group members well. This can become the basis for separation and isolation, and this is in conflict with the first statement. If you really want to live this and draw attention, then expand your horizon and your circle past your familiar group, and you will have a better answer to the question, who is my neighbor?