The one key idea I want to remember is the message of loving your neighbor as you love yourself. This was the message that Jesus preached and Paul continued it through his letters. Paul told his converts to love and not to give in to the deception of the society around you. Paul’s letters are still relevant in our time as we have love one another as we love ourselves. I can still learn from the letters that Paul sent to the early Christians to this day.
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
a. Paul models a “I can do” attitude. An “I can do” means that you can accomplish great things no matter what happens in your life. Through the bad times and the good times in my life, I can have a positive attitude. Through my bad times I should always see the good. Paul had a positive attitude through the bad times in his life. I want to have a positive attitude too.
b. In Paul’s letter to Ephesians, Paul stated, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Paul was stating that you should not be angry for an extended amount of time. Your anger should quickly be turned to thanksgiving. Through my times of anger and unrest, I should quickly be able to resolve it. I should not feel any hate for anybody, but love. I should never be mad at somebody for an extended period of time. I should love, not hate.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. Give a few verses from your favorite epistle.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
This verse tells me that impossible is nothing. Doubt is not a worry to me when I read this. I believe that the Lord will pass me through any challenge whether big or small. This passage gives me strength when I am on the football field or in the shot put ring or on the basketball court. It gives me reassurance of myself. This passage gives me light.
