thoughts.

I've been reading a book by Brian McLaren called The Secret Message of Jesus. I know, it sounds like kind of a silly book...but it's highly thought provoking, and is really continuing the change of my heart in amazing ways. This is a quote found on page 102 of the book that really stuck out to me. It's basically a good summary of how the "Secret Message of Jesus" is supposed to be played out.

"Can you see how the secret message of Jesus is meant not just to be heard or read but to be seen in human lives, in radically inclusive reconciling communities, written not on pages in a book but in the lives and hearts of friends?"

I think it's so true...the way we live our lives, and speak of others, and the things we put our money and time into are a direct reflection of our heart...and also, if we're Christians, a reflection of Jesus' heart (to those who aren't Christians). So it's very important that we love unconditionally, especially our enemies and those directly around us. So often the church lets the amount of love we are supposed to have slip away, and we end up loving other selectively. Unconditionally is a pretty huge word. Let's look at the definition:

unconditional |ˌənkənˈdi sh ənl; -ˈdi sh nəl|
adjective
not subject to any conditions : unconditional surrender.

they gave their mom's new husband an unconditional welcome wholehearted,
unqualified, unreserved, unlimited, unrestricted, unmitigated, unquestioning; complete, total, entire, full, absolute, out-and-out, unequivocal.

Just something to think about. Examine your actions and how you think of others, and treat others as a result...it's something I'm trying to get better at...and I have a long way to go, that's for sure.