‘Where has the weekend gone? It is Monday morning again!’ With this thought in mind, I sit down at the kitchen table with a second mug of coffee, and out comes my diary. This has been a ritual of mine for years: I check my diary to see what I must do each week; after checking and adding in anything I may have forgotten; I then compile a list of “to- dos” on separate piece of paper and put it inside my diary. I find this useful because, when things get busy, it helps that I have a list I can refer to that reminds me of all I need to get done. I have also been known to have a “to- do” list with an item to remind me to look at my “to-do” list!
Apart from the things I need to do at work, this week my “to-do” list consists of collecting my new glasses, purchasing a few cards and having coffee with a friend; not to mention changing beds, cleaning the bathroom and arranging who’s going where on certain nights. Oh, and then there is the two-litre carton of milk I need to buy before coming home tonight – I remember this as I refill my cup of coffee!
As I reflected on my weekly “to-do” lists, I questioned whether I am as eager to fulfil the “to-do” list in what the Bible calls me to do – especially in how I am called to treat others. Here are a few “to-do” items that the Bible tells us about:
• Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another;
• Romans 15:7 – Accept one another;
• 1 Corinthians 12:25 – Care for one another;
• Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another in love;
• Galatians 5:15 – Don’t spitefully hurt one another;
• Galatians 6:2 – Carry one another’s burdens;
• Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind to one another;
• Ephesians 4:32 – Forgive one another;
• 1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Comfort one another;
• Hebrews 3:13 – Encourage one another;
• James 5:16 – Pray for one another.
Even as I write this list, I am greatly challenged that these verses that encourage us “to-do” are not top of my agenda. Are they at the top of yours? Yet, Jesus, himself, makes it clear in John 13:34-35, that our treatment of each other should be a priority: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Jesus’ love is more, and greater, than we can ever imagine. Jesus has told his disciples to follow His example. He loves us with grace that gives more than we deserve and with mercy that does not give us what we do deserve, and He wants us to love others this way too. Our love of others should not be based on personality, background, status, looks or behaviour or even our natural feelings towards others but out of that rich agape love he has demonstrated. We, then, are commanded to love one another as God has loved us. Let this be a goal of each one of us so that this command will be at the top of our “to-do” lists – not only for this week, but always.
My name is Louise Davidson I am 44 years of age. I am married to Barry and we have two teenage children Charlie & Alice. I worked as a nursing auxiliary most of my life until I went to university a few years ago undertaking and gaining a BA (Hons) Theology. Which has led to me helping, as a Pastoral Assistant in First Bangor Presbyterian Church. This role includes, preparing and leading Bible studies, with involvement each week at Chattabox (parent & toddler group) and Dorcas group (craft group). Off course alongside this, I visit members of the congregation, in hospital, nursing and residential homes, and calling with folk in their own homes. I enjoy reading, and autumn is my favourite time of year. I have a unique sense of humour, and I am partial to a mug of coffee especially a good latte.