The king of a certain country visited one of his small villages. The people in that village were very critical to one another. The wealthy called the poor, “a bunch of lazy people” and the poor called the rich, “self-centered egotistic people.” Definitely, there was no sign of love or respect for one another.
When the king visited the village, the village people threw a banquet on behalf of the king. At the end of the banquet, the king announced that his son would stay behind to take care of certain matters before rejoining him in the palace. With that, the king requested the village people to kindly take care his son.
However, the king did not tell anyone where the prince will stay, what he looked like, how old he was, or how long he will stay in that village.
After the king had left, the village people started to change. They began to treat one another with respect and kindness. All because none knew who the prince was, and they wanted to make sure the prince was treated well. Therefore, people greeted each other with a smile, spoke to one another in encouraging words, and especially took care of the young people with great love.
The people of the village changed from critical and disrespectful to full of love, respect, and kindness people.
A year later, the king revisited this village. Upon the arrival of the king, the leader of the town came and asked, “My lord, our village has changed so much since you left because of the prince. However, we still don’t know who he is. Now, could you so kindly tell us who your son is before you take him back with you?”
The king laughed with great joy and said, “How can I take my son with me when he is already in the palace? The “son” I left behind is called LOVE. And how can I take my “son” who has changed you so beautifully with me. Please continue take care of my son.”
God’s son, Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). Let’s take care of the “SON” who is in midst of us in His Spirit that we may become loving, kind, genuine, and caring community of faith.
I love you Life Church people!
Pastor Loren