The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 12:9-15, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Robert Browning and his wife, Elizabeth Barrett Browning were notable poets. I always preferred her poetry to his, but that’s just my opinion. Robert was strong and healthy; Elizabeth was weak and somewhat feeble. One day she said to him, “Robert, you are so strong; why do you stay with me, since I am so week? You could do so much more without me.” Robert’s reply was brief and somewhat poetic.

“My strength needs your weakness, and your weekness needs my strength.”

I engaged a man in conversation yesterday and asked if he were a Christian. He said “yes,” but somewhat feebly; so, I pressed him a bit further: “Are you a born-again Christian? Some people believe that a Christian is just someone who is not a Muslim.” He was cautiously affirmative, but still not persuasive, just “open” to the discussion. He is strong and faithful in his profession, but obviously weak in what he believes about Christ.

Paul was not indecisive. He speaks clearly and forthrightly how we should behave and treat those who do not know Christ and His saving grace. Love is the primary key. Living cleanly follows closely, abhoring evil and grasping good. Be earnest and truthful. Do everything as service to the LORD. If you rejoice in the certainty of all that the LORD has promised, you will be able to put up with the trouble you face. Be prayerful, and help the needs of other believers.

Undoubtedly, you will face opposition –some strong opposition—just don’t get angry and speak evilly to them. Stick to the Truth, but be loving toward everyone. And when some rejoice, rejoice with them. When some weep in sorrow, show compassion toward them and enter into their sorrow for their sake. In everything, let the Love of Jesus Christ genuinely show forth through your demeanor. This is always honoring to Him.

Thank you for your prayers for us,

We seek to be faithful in praying for you, too,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”