A value is a principle that guides our thinking and behaviour so let me ask you a question; how can you show more consideration to the world or your local community?
- Thinking of others
- Having empathy
- Taking positive action to make something better
Now let me turn it around. Who has done any of those three things for you? Have you thanked them?
You see Jesus had consideration for people to the extent that He would mix with people who other people would not entertain. These people had leprosy, a disease which was so bad people had to have a bell around their necks to warn other people they were coming. Not much consideration was given to these people except to run and avoid them
Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.
Proverbs 4:23 (ERV)
The above verse tells us about thoughts and I guess the first thought was naturally to avoid them at all cost.
Not so Jesus. He found not one, but 10. He considered His options, but His thoughts were to heal.
Today, Jesus still does heal; not only sickness but most of all the disease of sin. For sin certainly controls us in particular in the thought area of our lives. Jesus can set us free.
As we conclude, the sad part of this story is when Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one came back and thanked Him. I wonder what thought controlled the other nine?
Perhaps you have done one of the three we mentioned earlier – thinking of others, having empathy, taking positive action to make something better and no one has thanked you. Please continue the good work. Do not let your negative thoughts control you to stop being considerate to those around you. It can be hard when no one says thank you but do as Jesus did. He continued to be loving, kind and compassionate to all He met. So much so He went to a cross to take away our sin and put us back into a relationship with God. So thank you, Jesus!