Transformed Mind

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” – John 12:24-25 You must lose it, to really use it. When I first read this I was like, “Aren’t we suppose to love the gift of life that God gave us, aren’t we to love ourselves, being image bearers of God?” Well yeah, but that’s not what this passage is talking about. Who are those that love their lives then? What is Jesus talking about? This my friends is selfish love. Think of those that have that cavalier and careless attitude and serve themselves above all else. Bernie Maddoff comes to mind; a man so enamored with money and opulent living that he was blind to everything peripheral to him, to those who would be hurt and to the consequences of his actions, and what happened, he lost everything. Really lost it all. Both his sons are now

There is a lot of pain in this world, but many are ill equipped to deal with it. As Christians we have an obligation to serve those who are in the depths of despair. These are just a few of the reasons… · We are to strive to imitate Jesus. To love God and love people ( 1 John 4:7 ). · “the eternal exchange of companionship that binds Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to one another extends to those Jesus calls to be his followers and friends.” [1] · We live in a fallen world full of despair, hurt, and trauma. Christians should lead the way in alleviating that pain just as Christ has alleviated the pain and sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Soul Care in the Old Testament 1) Through God     a. Genesis, before the fall, God provided everything for Adam and Eve, so that they could flourish without worry or burden.     b. Psalm 73:24, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.” 2) Through Leaders and Friends