All Things New with Jeff Ackenback

Loving people isn't about turning them into clones of yourself.  It's about listening, caring, and helping them in ways that improve their lives.  When it does come to faith, it's not about proving yourself right...it's about discussing with reason, earnestly listening, and showing God's love no matter what.

It's tempting to love people how we think they should be loved, but our calling is to love everyone unconditionally...to care about others, not just pretend to care.  

Jesus told the disciples they would be his witnesses, knowing that how the world saw him would be how they knew (or didn't know) him.  The same can be said for us today.  As things begin to return to a semblance of normal, keep in mind that we can be better than before...in how we treat others, how we live...how we love.

We are known not by our words but our actions and how we treat others.  Don't make things so difficult for someone else that it pushes them away...instead show love, understanding...find common ground.  Meet them where they are, don't try to force them where you are.

Treat people like you want to be treated.  Love people like you want to be loved.  Listen, speak, HEAR, people like you want to be done to you.

We are known not by our words but our actions and how we treat others.  Don't make things so difficult for someone else that it pushes them away...instead show love, understanding...find common ground.  Meet them where they are, don't try to force them where you are.

The first thing Jesus said when reappearing to the disciples was "Peace be with you."  Out of all the things he could say, he chose to call for peace.  Do your best to live in peace, to live at peace....to seek peace.

When Jesus came back from the dead, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, a woman who (even more than other women at the time) was looked down upon and considered far less than reputable.  To Jesus, though, she was, like all of us, enough and worth it.  He didn't see what others said, he saw only her heart, who she was...and that stays true for all of us.

Regardless of what you think or don't think of Jesus, when he was facing the absolute worst physical and emotional pain imaginable, he still showed grace, love, and forgiveness for everyone...including those actively hating him.  That's our example. That's how we should live.

No matter what you are going through, you are never alone.  Always remember that and be willing to ask for/accept help.

One of the keys to the "trial" of Jesus before the high priests was the fact that they looked for evidence AFTER arresting him, and even then, when they couldn't find it, they hired people to lie.  Yet Jesus still showed them love, still lived as hope, forgiveness, and grace...and calls us to do the same.

On the night he prayed in the garden, Jesus was betrayed by Judas...but also the other disciples.  Whether it was an inability to stay awake for a few minutes or fighting like the world instead of like Jesus or running away...they broke his trust.  Yet he never showed anger or regret at choosing them.  Instead, he continued to show them (and us) a better way.

Communication is key in all relationships, but not just THAT you communicate.  It's vital HOW you communicate, and I don't mean texting vs. talking vs. pony express.  Treat others as you would want to be treated must also apply to "talk to others as you'd want to be talked to."

Trust can be fragile, and it can take time for others to earn it or earn it back.  Being forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, but it does mean you do your best to live a life worthy of trust, no matter what.

It's crazy to say looks shouldn't matter, because in a way, they always will.  However, it's important to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, AND that any outer beauty should never make you compromise on that which is inside.

Respect for yourself, living with respect for others...they are definitely important things to do in life and in love.  Respecting boundaries and opinions of others, as well as expecting that same respect for your own...also vital, but they can be so hard to live with on a day to day basis.  This week, we will discuss all that and more. :) 

Living in the middle never helps anyone...and it leads to a life of always looking over your shoulder.  The wonderful thing about free will is that we all get to choose how we live, what we do...and how we treat others.  Always do your best to choose to treat others with love, respect, and to love everyone.

You can live your entire life saying "I need to do this..." without ever starting.  "I need to do better," "I need to help more," "I need to try..." Once you realize that, start right away.  You won't feel ready, and you won't be who you will become...but starting is trying and trying is succeeding.

When you realize you've done something wrong, admit it.  Don't blame others, even if they had a role...but take the blame, then accept the consequences, learn...and move forward...like David did, who did things far worse than any of us.

Be ready.  Be like Jesus.

It is common (and easy) to always say, "Someone else can help...I need to work on myself," but it's far better to work on yourself AND help others.

Everything begins with a fresh start. :) 

In the end, if you do your best to live a life loving God and others, there will be peace.  In the meantime, do your best to bring that peace to your life and the lives of others through the way you treat them.

Carry the hope and love from Christmas all year, especially to others.

Cosmic Christmas is an extended version of the Christmas story, but told from the angel Gabriel's perspective.