In response to the thought-provoking post, “What goes around comes around,” this article delves into the profound concept of imitation, casting the Lord as the ultimate source of love. It highlights the truth that everything has its origin and conclusion in God (Rev 1:8): positioned as the giver of boundless love, with mankind assuming the role of a humble recipient, entrusted with the divine mandate to replicate and extend that love to others. This divine imitation becomes a sacred duty, a glorious reflection of the love bestowed upon humanity by the Lord.
If we must mirror His actions (Ephesians 5:1-2); how do we willingly do so, free from fear and brimming with authentic affection (1 John 4:18)? In Abstract, willingness to imitate begins with a firsthand experience of His favor and a profound understanding of His boundless love (Proverbs 24:3). Recognizing the profoundness of this immense love and goodness within His nature makes it simpler for us to show gratitude by reflecting on His kindness towards others (Matthew 7:12) for His namesake (Colossians 3:17).
In the story, Bryan proposes to the elderly lady that if she genuinely desires to show her appreciation, she could offer necessary assistance and remember him the next time she encounters someone in need. “Think of me!” he said. Bryan’s desire aligns with that of God, where our offerings and gifts are unwarranted (Isaiah 1:11). Everything we are and possess already belongs to Him (Psalm 50:9-11). So, what do we truly have that we can claim to be repaying God with (Psalm 50:13)? In what conceivable manner can we reciprocate? While it was admirable for the old woman to seek to repay Bryan for his assistance, what would genuinely fulfill Bryan is if the woman, inspired by the memory of him, would perform acts of kindness for someone else. Similarly, this reflects what God desires from us here on earth while we still have the opportunity (John 13:13-17).
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Last week, I found inspiration to celebrate Valentine’s Day uniquely by delving into the biblical book of “Songs of Solomon”. It crossed my mind – did Solomon and his beloved realize that their profound affection and love for each other served to glorify Jesus’ love for His bride (Ephesians 5:31-33)? Were they contemplating God? Although their expressions were exchanged between themselves, their pure love and adoration resonated with God to such an extent that it is recognized as His word, included in the scriptures for our inspiration (Romans 15:4). Ordinary humans expressing deep love inadvertently honored and glorified God, mirroring the love shared between Him and His bride (Revelation 19:7-9).
It is the same way that although what we do is for man, when our actions glorify God, it moves His heart to an extent we couldn’t imagine. It stirs Him up to accept our offering of Thanksgiving, which causes His favor to remain on us (Psalm 50:14-15), seeing we have not frustrated His grace towards us in the way that we replicated Him. When we declare our love for God, its evidence lies in how we replicate that love on earth towards one another (John 14:24). God isn’t a tangible form we can behold (Deuteronomy 4:15-18), so a good way to honor Him is by honoring man, in whom His spirit dwells (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Referencing back to the story; Imagine the ingratitude of the elderly woman if she were to forget Bryan’s generous gesture and neglect to replicate it for someone else. The Lord illustrated a similar point in the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Matthew 18:32-34 NIV:
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed”.
In the end, we observed that when the old woman performed a kind deed in remembrance of Bryan, the recipient of her kindness happened to be Bryan’s pregnant wife. This serves as a poignant illustration about God – that every good deed we do for others is, in essence, done for Him. Conversely, whenever we neglect the needs of others, we inadvertently forget and ignore Him (Matthew 25:40-45).
Psalm 50:22-23:
“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”
What goes around, does indeed come around (Galatians 6:7).
