The Terry Schiavo matter has been just the inverse of what Jesus did for us:
The Lord died for His bride that His bride might find joy & life. vs. Mr. S. wanted to live it up, though his wife died.
The Lord was faithful unto death. vs. Mr. S. apparently unfaithful &
apathetic & adulterous.
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/Terri_highlights.htmWhat strikes me is also then our own need to be faithful, husbands: To the Lord and to our wives. (of course, wives also need to be faithful).
My wife & I discussed this news matter recently ... and I thought to myself, how many men are there (I have known some) who remained faithful to the end despite much difficulty, but were not given nearly the air time as this one big problem case? While one bad apple may spoil the appetite of many for good news, if we will be flavored right, the mercy of God will indeed be sweet to our neighbors, then they will taste & see of God's goodness.
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Indeed, if I may share one little witnessing approach which others have used with some effect:
Folks have shared how the love described in the Song of Songs is a gift of God in marriage. Therefore, we must give Him thanks for even this blessing. Some who were otherwise hardened to the good news saw that indeed they did have a blessed marriage and needed to honor the Lord for that with thanksgiving. Others realized how they might have a blessed marriage from the Song of Songs and kept their vows by praising God in his goodness.
In these instances, they repented, were baptized, & began to call on the name of the Lord with other saints.
All Scripture is indeed ... useful!
I've read of at least 2 families that came to faith when the good news was shared in this way. My father also lead someone to faith in this way.
The Love of the Lord is so amazing! "My heart & my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart & my portion forever!"
Mert
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If you remember who said "Love is the final apologetic" & the context, please contact me: mertaka at everybody dot org.
contemplative