We all love sunflowers. Their flower reminds us of the sun and late summer days. We encourage our children to grow them to compete with each other to see who can grow the tallest! Adults are known to compete too! They make us smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you know that Sunflowers turn to follow the sun as it moves across the sky?\u00a0 The French name for sunflower is \u201ctournesol, that means \u201cturn to the sun\u201d. They turn their faces to the light.
Have you ever wondered what they do on cloudy or rainy days when the sun is completely covered?\u00a0 Do the sunflowers droop, turning their heads towards the ground. No!\u00a0 This is what happens.\u00a0 They turn towards each other to share their energy! God\u2019s creation is amazing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now let\u2019s think how we can apply this lesson to our own lives. Many people we meet may be in trouble, sad, low-spirited, lonely or depressed. If we follow Jesus\u2019 teaching and example, we should realise that we must share our energy with those we meet. The words of a verse in one of my favourite hymns come to mind…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWherever in the world I am, in whatsoe\u2019r estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts to keep and cultivate
A work of lowly love to do for Him on whom I wait.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0(Love Maria Willis 1824-1908)
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Jesus was compassionate. We know that he healed the sick and provided food for the crowds who gathered round him. He listened to problems and offered advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is just one example of his compassion. Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son\u00a0Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.\u00a0 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, \u201cDo not weep.\u201d Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, \u201cYoung man, I say to you, arise.\u201d And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.\u00a0Luke 7:11\u201015<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus tells his followers \u201cThis is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.\u201d John 15: 12-14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jesus showed his love and compassion towards all humankind when he, the only perfect man, the only begotten Son of his Father, the Almighty God, gave his life willingly to save all who put their trust in God. Jesus has opened for us the path to salvation. All who truly believe in him and in his Heavenly Father and try to follow his example will be granted, by God\u2019s grace, salvation and everlasting life in the Kingdom of God when Jesus returns.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quotes English Standard Version Bible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"