|
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also (147:2) Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again (147:3) And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:29-31 (147:4) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil (147:5) Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (147:6) Gone forever were the former things, never to return, for Christ's divine mandate to humanity was irrevocable. The standard of worship had been replaced, the old standard swept away. No longer was it sufficient to carry out the letter of the law, one's entire being must acquire the attributes of the spirit (147:7) With Christ's Coming, all things were required to reflect the spirit of maturity. Therefore, not only was it unlawful to commit adultery, the mere thought of it was a transgression against God. Though the act of murder was, of course, a grievous sin, now likewise was anger towards one's brother. And though to abstain from theft was a virtuous deed, the new standard called for you to give of your abundance - nay, to "sell all that thou hast" - and give to the poor! (147:8) Through the salvation bestowed by Christ, the peoples of the world were given the duty, and the means to fulfill His words: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (147:9) The Blessed Christ roamed the countryside healing the spiritual ills afflicting the men and women of His day. To all who came unto Him, He gave generously of His great love, His wise counsel, His heavenly forgiveness. All who believed in the "Light of the World" received a measure of His measureless grace. And His love, throughout the ages, does not fail to reach those who turn to Him in repentance. For His blessed words, "Thy faith hath made thee whole" , still brings the promise of eternal life
(147:10)
|