Post # 16
Luke 2:10-14 (New International Version)
10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
The King James Version says in verse 14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
It has been suggested by our leaders, both religious and secular, that everybody should express good will toward all people everywhere – every day of the year. This could be described as unconditional love, which considers all humans of equal value and worthy of respect – of person and property. The love of parents for their children comes closest to describing it. Political correctness is our secular best effort to legislate it.
The NIV says in verse 14, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
This emphasizes the gift of peace from God to people on whom his favor rests or, as other versions say, peace to people who are of good will. In any event our goal for the new year, 2009, should be to cultivate an attitude of good will to all and remember to practice it all year.
Why don’t all people have good will toward each other? Why do we find unfair competition, taking advantage, coveting, putting down minorities etc etc?
I believe one reason (likely the main reason) is that we need to realize that only God has perfect unconditional love for all people. I can only speak for Christians who believe we need to ask God for the power to love others, including our enemies, unconditionally. Christians may be defined as those being led by the Holy Spirit to do God’s will, which is to love God and our neighbors. It all depends on having a personal relationship with Jesus – which results in outgoing expressions of unconditional love.
I don’t know if it is possible to measure how many people will be practicing good will to all this year.
