Dear Church,

The Season of Lent calls us for self-reflection!

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” – Matt. 7:12 A Finnish soldier in the three-month winter war with Russia, lay wounded on the battlefield. A Russian soldier approached, pointing his rifle. The Finn was certain his end had come. However, the Russian handed him a medical kit, then kept moving. Remarkably, later on, the roles reversed. The Finn found himself in a similar situation—only this time, a Russian soldier lay wounded and helpless. The Finn, remembering the grace extended to him, handed over medical supplies and walked
on.

This is the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12) that Jesus taught us to live by. Imagine how different our world would be if we all practiced this simple yet a significant principle! Its simplicity doesn’t lessen its significance, though it is often overlooked. We live in a world of excess, indulgence, and greed, where few stop to consider the needs and feelings of others. Society is driven by social status, and many are willing to do anything to get ahead, often at the expense of others. But our Lord was clear and precise in His command. The Golden Rule lies at the heart of humanity—it speaks of the love and care that should be present in all people. 

This significant principle cannot be separated from obedience to God. If we are to be what the Lord desires us to be, if we are to represent our Lord in a way that pleases Him, we must be willing to live according to this principle. When the “Golden Rule” is lived out in our lives, we show the love of God to others. We cannot truly please our Savior if we are unwilling to love our neighbours. Consider the treatment of Jesus prior to the crucifixion. He had every right to have destroyed His accusers. They were not worthy of His love and sacrifice. Yet, He did not repay them with what they deserved. He offered grace instead of wrath, and gave them what they needed, not what they deserved.

During this Lenten season, Jesus invites us to reflect on this golden principle, which is
simple, but significant.

God Bless,

Amutha

Dear Church,

We are blessed to be a blessing!

This year, as we reflect on our theme verse, 1 Peter 5:10, which highlights God’s restoring and strengthening power, let us remember that His blessings are not solely for our benefit - they are meant to equip us to serve others!

In 2 Kings 4, we read an inspiring story of a widow who is at the brink of despair. Her husband, a devout man had passed away leaving her with a significant debt. The creditor threatens to take her two sons as slaves to pay what is owed. Facing such a disastrous situation, she pleads to the prophet Elisha, crying out for help. This story unfolds on how God blesses us so that we may, in turn, become a blessing to others.

Elisha asks the widow a simple question: “What do you have in your house?” She replies, “Your servant has nothing there at all except a small jar of olive oil” (2 Kings 4:2). What she saw was insignificant, but God saw that as the basis for a miracle. Elisha instructs her to gather as many empty jars as she can from her neighbours and then to pour the oil from her small jar into these vessels. Miraculously, the oil continues to flow until every jar is full.

Often, like the widow, we underestimate the resources God has already placed in our hands. We focus on what we lack rather than what we possess. Yet, even the smallest gift, talent, or resource can become a channel of God’s blessing when surrendered to Him. 

Let us ask ourselves, how can we be a blessing to those around us? It might be through acts of kindness, sharing our resources, or offering encouragement to someone in need. Like the widow, we may have ignored the blessing God has already given us or it might look insignificant to our eyes, but if we surrender that in God’s hands, even a small, tiny mustard seed of gift can become a source of abundant blessing. May we live with open hearts and hands, ready to receive from God and to pour out His blessings to a world in need. We are truly blessed to be a blessing. 


God Bless,
Amutha

Dear Church,

Let us become fishers of men and women!

Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:17-18)

We are always interested in making a new start in our lives. Particularly, when the New Year begins, we desire to practice something new. As believers in Christ, we wish to take steps to fulfil our discipleship. How long are we going to remain milk-fed infants? Do we not want to grow? Are we not interested in chewing the meat? Are we not eager to shift from the ‘maintenance phase’ to the ‘mission phase’?

When you watch children play with toys, you will often see one treasured toy abandoned without a second thought in favour of something new. A child does this without even being aware that anything is being left behind. Perhaps we can learn from the play of children. When we hear this passage, we tend to focus on what a huge leap it was for the first disciples to abandon their nets. Perhaps it would help to look at the disciples' response to Jesus' call as a child responding to an exciting new game. In the disciples, we find an example of how to joyfully embrace the invitation to show God's love to others.

How and when have we experienced being called by Jesus? What have we "left behind" to follow Him? We are commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We are not left alone to take up this mission call - He will certainly be with us in every step we take.

Jesus’ words in the Great Commission reveal the heart of God, who desires “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” This compels us to share the good news until everyone has heard. Like the servants in Jesus’ parable, we are to be about the Kingdom’s work, making disciples of all nations: “He called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13).


Wishing you a wonderful and peace-filled New Year!


God Bless,
Amutha