My Sympathy Extended 4/22/2025

 Good Morning,

I am running late today and my hot cup of Door County Churro Coffee is working hard to jump start this body. Writing time has long passed by, but here it goes anyway. 

Matthew 5:44 KJV But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and do good to them who hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.  

John 16:34 KJV A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

The world lost a leader yesterday. The leader of the Catholic church passed away from health complications. I want to extend my deepest sympathy to my Catholic friends near and far. I am praying for you and will continue as your leaders pray and search for the next pope. 

Not being Catholic myself I did however watch the life of Pope Francis from afar. I believe the attribute of loving all people stood out and if I were to emulate anything of his life style, that would be the one of the places in my life where I need to improve. 

I struggle with loving all people especially my enemies. I work at it, but fall short many, many times. I need to do better at being able to disagree with others and still love and respect them. Now I don't go out and beat others to a pulp, or kill anyone, but my heart at times does turn to stone and I can ignore people who I don't agree with or who don't care for me. I need to learn to love all people despite our differences. I am openly admitting that I try to live the correct way, but I fail and need to seek forgiveness from our Lord. I pray for wisdom, strength, and change. Without a doubt I believe that when I fail and then repent, God sends someone to get on my every and last nerve to test me and keep me working at my failure tendencies . 

So if you are imperfect like me, I will pray for you and you pray for me. Let's console our friends as they mourn the loss of their Pastor. 

God bless,

Marty