Our God in His generosity promises us a long-time to enjoy His Presence. He calls this time- eternity. In the same way God gives us a short time to prepare ourselves for this eternity. This short period is called our lifetime. This lifetime is not about the quantity of our years, but the quality we give to each year that matters. During our lifetime, God does ask us to love Him, but more particularly God asks us to love everyone else we meet along the way even more. God calls this love of our neighbor service. He asks that we help those who need support, and that we lift up those less fortunate than ourselves.

He also suggests that we make sure those around us are well fed, never grow thirsty, and have enough clothing to stay warm. What God is really asking is that everyone looks after everyone else. And God says do this in this brief lifetime we have before us.

God also adds that if we harm another in our brief lifetime to make amends for it. And if we ourselves are harmed, to show mercy and forgive the wrong. God desires us to be tolerant of differences we see in others. If people look different, cover over these diversities with tolerance and good will. If strangers wander into our surroundings, turn them into neighbors through understanding and patience. Never push them away or shun them.

What God is really asking us to do is go the extra mile in all things. He wants more than what is standard. He truly wants us “to see people first. ” If we see hurting people who need healing, invite them to share our short lives. In exactly the same manner the Good Samaritan cared for the wounded neighbor whom he found along the road he was traveling.

For when we do, Matthew 25:31 reminds us of what God , Our Father will say:

'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' ⁴¹ “ Come you are the blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you…”

Doesn’t this seem like a small price to pay to enjoy our God for as long as we can, and to be happy with Him for all eternity? We do trade a short span of time to live with God Our Father forever, don’t we?