Good morning: Did you have one of those arguments yesterday in which you were determined to prove you were right. Maybe it was over something embarrassingly trivial, like what year did the Beatles break up as a band? It doesn’t make any real difference in anything, and yet you were going to get the satisfaction that you were right and the other person was wrong. While the subject may be trivial, the collateral damage can be severe. You may be proved right, but at what cost—hard feelings, distance between you and a friend? In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul addressed believers who were so intent on being “right” that they were even taking each other to court. Was it worth it? Paul writes, “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged Why not rather be cheated?” (1 Cor. 6:7). Whether the matter is large or small, there is something better than being right. It is far better to be loving. That is what distinguishes believers from the world. They reflect the love of Christ. Jesus’ determination during His ministry was not to get all the credit He deserved for being right in everything He said and did. It was not about His personal prestige and status. Though He is God from all eternity, He didn’t insist on receiving outward glory and recognition. “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8). He willingly subjected Himself to shame and suffering because He loves the world and wants all people to be saved. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 Jn. 3:1). John continues, “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 Jn. 4:7). Far better than being right is being loving, which shows in forgiveness, patience, and consideration for the wellbeing of others. That is the love we receive from Jesus everyday. May we be determined to show the same love toward one another. Yours in Christ, Pastor Services tomorrow are 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. Bible class is at 9:30 a.m. The upper-grade school children will put on a brief play called “Going Up.” Our ongoing study of Luther’s Large Catechism will follow. Here is the link for service signup: https://tinyurl.com/y2j5r8sn Signing up for the Sunday service by 6 p.m. Saturday is appreciated and helpful and a way of showing Christian love for one another. It gives the Elders and ushers an idea of how many people to prepare for. When you sign up you can also see how full the service will be, and if you wish, consider attending the other service. By signing up, you can easily be informed if that were advisable because of contact with someone at the service who later became ill. The governor’s mask order is still in effect for all indoor spaces, including churches. Masks are available in the entry if you forget yours.
