Tag: Jesus

Forgiveness: The Heart of Christianity

Forgiveness is at the very center of Christianity. Jesus did not simply tell us to forgive the people we love—He challenged us to pray for those who hurt us, including those who may have deeply wronged us. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) is not an easy command, but it is one of the most powerful ways we can follow Christ.

Forgiveness Does Not Mean Forgetting

When someone hurts us, forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It does not mean that what they did was acceptable. It does not mean you must invite them back into your life, go out for coffee with them, or remove every healthy boundary.

Forgiveness means releasing the desire for revenge and placing the situation in God’s hands.

You can forgive someone and still remember the lesson. You can forgive someone and maintain appropriate boundaries. You can forgive someone without continuing a relationship that is unhealthy.

Forgiveness is for your heart and soul—not an excuse for someone else’s behavior.

Pray for Those Who Have Hurt You.

One of the most difficult parts of forgiveness is praying for the person who hurt you.

When anger rises, try a simple prayer:

“Lord, I forgive this person. Please bless them, guide them, and bring them closer to You. Heal my heart and theirs, and help me leave this hurt in Your hands.”

You may not feel forgiving when you first say those words. That’s okay. Forgiveness is sometimes a decision we make before our feelings catch up.

Pray anyway.

Remember How Much God Has Forgiven Us

Think about your own mistakes, failures, and weaknesses. Every one of us has needed God’s mercy.

The amazing truth of Christianity is that God’s forgiveness is not something we earn by being perfect. Through Jesus Christ, God offers us mercy, reconciliation, and a new beginning.

From the Cross, Jesus gave us one of the greatest examples of forgiveness the world has ever known:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34

If Jesus could pray for forgiveness for those who were crucifying Him, surely we can ask Him to help us forgive the people who have hurt us.

Forgiveness Sets the Heart Free

Holding onto anger can keep us tied to the person who hurt us. Forgiveness begins to break that chain.

When we forgive, we are not saying, “What happened doesn’t matter.”

We are saying:

“What happened mattered—but I will not allow it to control the rest of my life.”

We give the pain to God. We stop seeking revenge. We ask God to heal the wounds that we cannot heal by ourselves.

And sometimes, forgiveness is not a single moment. Sometimes it is a decision we have to make again and again.

Share the Forgiveness We Have Received

God has shown us tremendous mercy. As Christians, we are called to share that mercy with others.

That doesn’t mean forgiveness will always be easy. It doesn’t mean there won’t be tears. It doesn’t mean trust will automatically return.

It means that, with God’s help, we choose mercy over hatred, prayer over revenge, and peace over bitterness.

Be the face of Christ to someone who needs forgiveness.

Pray. Forgive. Let go. And let God heal your heart.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

A Prayer for Forgiveness

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for forgiving me when I fail You. Help me remember how much mercy You have shown me.

Give me the grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Help me pray for them rather than wishing them harm. Give me wisdom to maintain healthy boundaries while keeping bitterness out of my heart.

Lord Jesus, You forgave from the Cross. Teach me to forgive as You forgave.

Take my anger, my hurt, and my resentment. Replace them with Your peace.

I place this person—and this pain—in Your hands.

Amen.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. To find more about THM, Click Here.

August 15, 2026
God Owns Everything—We Are Stewarts
God’s Gifts Are Meant for Eternity

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:19–20

Every good thing we possess is a gift from God.

Our health, our strength, our talents, our homes, our families, our friendships, and even the opportunities placed before us each day come from His loving hand. We often speak about what we have “earned,” but behind every accomplishment stands the God who gave us life, the ability to work, and the blessings that made success possible.

The Book of James reminds us:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”
— James 1:17

Because everything belongs to God, we are not owners—we are stewards.

God entrusts us with His gifts for a time. He asks us to use them wisely, to care for our families, to strengthen our communities, to help those in need, and above all, to glorify Him.

When success comes, thank Him.

When prosperity comes, thank Him.

When health is strong, thank Him.

And if one day He chooses to take those blessings back, thank Him again for allowing you to enjoy them for however long He saw fit.

Job understood this profound truth after losing nearly everything he possessed:

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
— Job 1:21

Those words are not easy to live, but they reveal a heart that trusted God more than possessions.

Keep Your Eyes on Eternity

Life moves quickly.

The house we build will someday belong to someone else.

The car we proudly drive will eventually wear out.

Money comes and goes.

Even our earthly bodies grow older.

Everything around us is temporary.

Only one thing lasts forever—our eternal soul.

That is why Jesus continually reminded His followers to keep their hearts fixed on Heaven.

Every decision we make should be measured against one simple question:

Will this help bring me closer to God and prepare me for eternity?

When we keep our eyes on Heaven, disappointments lose much of their sting, and successes become opportunities to praise God rather than ourselves.

Living for the Eternal Reward

It is interesting how faithfully we obey the rules of our employer.

We arrive at work on time.

We follow company policies.

We complete assignments.

We strive to do our best because, at the end of the week, we expect a paycheck.

Yet that paycheck may be spent before the day is over. Bills are paid, groceries are bought, expenses arise, and the money is gone.

How strange it is that many people work so diligently for rewards that disappear, while giving so little attention to the reward that never fades.

God has already shown us the path to eternal life.

He calls us to:
- Keep His Commandments.
- Love God with all our heart.
- Love our neighbor as ourselves.
- Practice humility, charity, patience, honesty, forgiveness, and purity.
- Receive His grace through prayer and the sacraments.
- Live lives that reflect Christ.
Unlike an earthly employer, God does not ask us to earn His love. He freely offers it. But He does ask us to respond with faithful, obedient hearts.

The Virtues Build the Road to Heaven

The saints remind us that holiness is not usually found in dramatic moments but in ordinary faithfulness.

Each act of kindness…

Each quiet prayer…

Each sacrifice made for another…

Each temptation resisted…

Each word of forgiveness…

These become stepping stones leading toward Heaven.

Virtue shapes our character until we begin to resemble Christ Himself.

The more we practice love, humility, generosity, courage, patience, and faith, the more prepared our souls become for eternal life.

Our Greatest Investment

Wise investors look for what will produce lasting returns.

Jesus tells us that the greatest investment we can ever make is not in the stock market, real estate, or a retirement account.

Our greatest investment is in eternity.

Every prayer offered with love…

Every act of mercy…

Every soul encouraged…

Every sacrifice made for God…

These are treasures that can never be lost.

They accompany us beyond the grave.

A Final Thought

God has blessed each of us in different ways.

Cherish those blessings.

Use them for His glory.

Love your family.

Serve your community.

Help those who cannot repay you.

And if life changes tomorrow, remember to thank God for every blessing He allowed you to enjoy.

Above all, keep your eyes, your mind, and your soul fixed on Heaven.

Everything else will one day pass away.

But eternal life with God will never end.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
— Mark 8:36

May we spend our lives not merely earning a paycheck that lasts a day, but pursuing the Kingdom that lasts forever.

Thank you for reading this blog. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

P.S. Please Click Here to learn about the THM mission and join us in building a loving, carying, sharing community.
July 26, 2026
Helping Families Save Money, Build a Better Future, and Create Additional Income—One Person at a Time

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

One of the greatest blessings God gives us is the opportunity to help other people.

Sometimes that help comes through a kind word. Sometimes it comes through prayer. Sometimes it comes through lending a helping hand.

And sometimes it comes by introducing someone to an opportunity that can improve their financial situation while blessing their family.

Throughout Scripture, we see that God often works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. He opens doors where we least expect them and provides opportunities that allow us to serve others while being good stewards of the gifts He has entrusted to us.

Recently I came across a program that caught my attention because it combines practical everyday value with powerful business-building tools.

Among the benefits are: –

1,000 email leads from someone who genuinely wants to help you succeed. –

A Giant Discount Savings Portal with discounts on airfare, cruises, hotels, shopping, home products, and much more. –

An expanding library of more than 96 e-books filled with valuable information. –

A professional email autoresponder that works with your lead capture pages and even allows you to import up to 5,000 contacts. –

Your own custom lead capture page with an integrated lead database. –

A business opportunity that offers the possibility of creating meaningful monthly income for people who are willing to learn, work consistently, and serve others.

Notice I used the word possibility. No honest business can promise success. Just as a farmer cannot guarantee a harvest without planting, watering, and caring for the crop, no opportunity guarantees income without effort, learning, perseverance, and patience.

Success comes from faithfully doing the work day after day. For many families, retirees, and people living on fixed incomes, even a modest additional income can relieve financial pressure, provide peace of mind, and create opportunities to bless others.

That is what appeals to me most. My desire has never simply been to help people make more money. My desire is to help people become better stewards of what God has entrusted to them, strengthen their families, assist their churches and communities, and have greater freedom to help those in need.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of Christians had additional resources to support their churches, missionaries, food banks, pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, and families facing difficult times.

Money itself is neither good nor evil. The Bible reminds us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil—not money itself. When placed in the hands of faithful people with servant hearts, financial resources can become powerful tools for doing God’s work.

Jesus taught us: > “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” > — Matthew 6:33

That verse has guided my life for many years. Whenever I consider a new opportunity, I ask one simple question: Can this help people while bringing glory to God? If the answer is yes, then it deserves thoughtful consideration.

Whether you decide this particular opportunity is right for you or not, I encourage you to pray about every financial decision. Ask the Lord for wisdom, seek good counsel, and never stop looking for ways to use your talents and resources to serve others.

When we place God first, become faithful stewards, and use our blessings to bless others, amazing things can happen.

May God bless you, your family, and every good work He has prepared for you. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Results are not guaranteed. Success in any business depends on individual effort, consistency, skill, and the willingness to learn and serve others. Always evaluate any opportunity carefully before participating. :::

Click Here to learn more and join.

July 24, 2026
Reflection:
Life Is Short… But Eternity Never Ends

“Life is short and death is sure,
The hour of death remains obscure.
A soul you have, and only one,
If that be lost, all hope is gone.

Waste not time while time shall last,
For after death ’tis ever past.

All-seeing God, your Judge will be,
And Heaven or Hell your destiny.

All earthly things will speed away,
Eternity alone will stay.”

These simple verses have echoed through Christian history because they speak a truth that every generation needs to hear. They are not meant to frighten us but to awaken us. They remind us that life is a precious gift from God, one that should never be taken for granted.

Every morning we wake is another opportunity to love God, serve others, forgive, pray, and grow in holiness. Yet how often do we become consumed with the temporary things of this world? We spend countless hours pursuing wealth, entertainment, possessions, and recognition, while giving little thought to the one journey every one of us must make—the journey into eternity.

Jesus Himself repeatedly told His followers to be ready.

“Be watchful! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
— Matthew 24:42

The hour of our death truly remains unknown. No amount of wealth, influence, or technology can postpone it forever. Kings, presidents, billionaires, and the poorest among us all stand equal before God.

The One Possession That Lasts Forever

The poem says:

“A soul you have, and only one.”

Nothing we own will accompany us beyond the grave. Not our home. Not our bank account. Not our achievements.

Only our soul will stand before the Lord.

That is why Jesus urged us:

“Store up treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys.”

Every act of kindness, every sincere prayer, every sacrifice offered out of love, every confession made with a repentant heart, every Holy Communion received worthily, every act of forgiveness—these become treasures that can never be taken away.

Time Is God’s Gift

The older we become, the more quickly the years seem to pass.

Yesterday we were children.

Today we may be grandparents.

Tomorrow we will stand before Christ.

How wise it is, then, to use each day well.
- Pray every day.
- Read God’s Word.
- Attend Mass faithfully.
- Receive the Sacraments.
- Love your family.
- Help those in need.
- Forgive quickly.
- Trust completely in God’s mercy.
None of us knows how many tomorrows remain.

Heaven Is Worth Everything

The world offers many promises but cannot satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart.

Only God can.

Imagine the joy of Heaven—seeing God face to face, reunited with loved ones who died in Christ, joining the saints and angels in endless praise, where there is no sickness, no pain, no tears, and no death.

Compared to eternity, even the longest earthly life is but a brief moment.

As Saint Paul reminds us:

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)

A Final Thought

One day our work will be finished.

One day our calendar will close.

One day our earthly journey will end.

When that day comes, may we hear the words every Christian longs to hear:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Let us live today with eternity in mind.

For while all earthly things will speed away, eternity alone will stay.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me never to lose sight of eternity. Teach me to use each day wisely, to love You with all my heart, to serve others with joy, and to remain faithful until the end. May my life bring You glory, and when You call me home, may I rejoice forever in Your heavenly kingdom. Amen.all seeing God, your Judge will be, And Heaven or Hell your destiny. All earthly things will speed away, Etdernity, alone will stay

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July 19, 2026
Living in the Light of Eternity

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33** —

Looking Beyond Today Throughout the history of the Church, the saints have shared one remarkable characteristic: they learned to see everything in the light of eternity.

Every joy, every sorrow, every success, and every trial was viewed not merely from the perspective of today, but from the perspective of Heaven.

This eternal vision did not make them indifferent to suffering. Instead, it gave them the wisdom to place every earthly event in its proper proportion.

Many of our fears, discouragements, resentments, and conflicts become overwhelming because we unconsciously magnify temporary events until they seem permanent.

A harsh word, an unexpected disappointment, financial concerns, illness, or the opinions of others can grow so large in our minds that they eclipse everything else.

Yet Scripture reminds us that these things are passing. Eternity alone lasts forever.

Seek First the Kingdom Jesus gives us the foundation for living with peace: >

**”Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”** > *(Matthew 6:33)*

Notice that Jesus does not tell us to ignore our responsibilities or pretend that difficulties do not exist. Rather, He teaches us to place first things first.

When God’s Kingdom becomes our highest priority, everything else begins to fall into its proper place. Our worries lose much of their power.

Success becomes an opportunity for gratitude rather than pride. Failure becomes an opportunity for growth rather than despair. Even suffering takes on new meaning because we know it is not the end of the story.

Present Suffering and Eternal Glory No one understood suffering better than the Apostle Paul. He endured imprisonment, persecution, beatings, shipwrecks, rejection, hunger, and constant danger. Yet in the midst of these hardships, he wrote: >

**”For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”** > *(Romans 8:18)* He also wrote: > **”For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”** > *(2 Corinthians 4:17)*

Paul was not dismissing suffering. His own life proves otherwise. Rather, he was magnifying eternity. Compared with everlasting joy in the presence of God, even life’s greatest trials become temporary.

The Wisdom of the Saints The saints became holy not because they escaped suffering, but because they learned to keep their eyes fixed on Christ. Their perspective shaped every virtue they practiced.

Humility replaced pride because they remembered that only God is great. Patience overcame frustration because they trusted God’s timing.

Charity overcame resentment because they knew mercy lasts forever. Hope conquered discouragement because Heaven was always before their eyes.

Peace grew because they knew this world is not our final home. Whenever difficulties arose, they returned their hearts to eternity.

When Small Things Become Too Big Many of life’s emotional burdens grow because we give temporary problems eternal importance.

An argument lasting only minutes can disturb us for days. One criticism can overshadow years of faithful work. A disappointment can convince us that our future is ruined. Financial setbacks can make us forget God’s faithful providence.

We begin to believe that today’s circumstances define our lives. But they do not. When we remember eternity, our perspective changes. The problem may still exist, but it no longer occupies the center of our hearts. We realize that what feels overwhelming today may one day be only a small step on our journey toward God.

An Eternal Perspective Changes Everything Living with eternity in mind does not eliminate pain. Christ Himself suffered. The apostles suffered.

The saints suffered. We will also experience sorrow, disappointment, and loss. Yet an eternal perspective transforms how we carry these burdens.

It gives us courage to persevere. It teaches us to forgive more readily. It helps us let go of unnecessary worries. It reminds us that faithfulness is more important than comfort.

Most importantly, it fills our hearts with hope because God’s promises are greater than today’s troubles. —

Conclusion

Scripture tells us that life is like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Eternity, however, never ends. The saints understood this truth so deeply that it shaped every decision they made.

Their eyes were fixed not merely on the circumstances around them, but on the Kingdom of God. May we learn to do the same.

When we seek first God’s Kingdom, our fears begin to shrink, our hope begins to grow, and our hearts discover the peace that comes from knowing that every act of faith, every sacrifice, every prayer, and every moment of perseverance echoes into eternity.

For in the end, it is not today’s troubles that define our lives—it is the everlasting glory that God has promised to those who love Him.

Focusing on Eternity With God In Heaven as what I want more than anything has greatly enhanced my peace, love, and joy. I hope and pray it does the same for you.

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July 1, 2026
“Do Whatever He Tells You” — Mary”s Eternal Message to the World
The Last Recorded Words of Mary in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, many great men and women speak words that have echoed through history. Yet it is remarkable that the Blessed Virgin Mary’s final recorded words in Sacred Scripture are not about herself. They are not a request for honor or recognition. Instead, they point every soul directly to Jesus Christ.

At the wedding feast in Cana, the wine had run out. Mary, always attentive to the needs of others, quietly brought the problem before her Son.

“They have no wine.”

Jesus replied,

“Woman, what is that to me? My hour has not yet come.” (John 2:4)

Mary did not argue. She did not question Him. She simply turned to the servants and spoke words that have become her timeless message to every generation:

“Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:5)

Those five simple words summarize Mary’s entire mission.

She never points to herself.

She always points to Jesus.

Mary’s Mission Has Never Changed

From the moment she said “Yes” to God’s plan at the Annunciation until she stood faithfully beneath the Cross, Mary’s life was one continuous act of leading people to her Son.

Throughout Christian history, millions have testified that Mary’s intercession has strengthened their faith and brought them closer to Christ.

Whether through her appearances at:
- Lourdes
- Fatima
- Guadalupe
- and many other places recognized by the Church,
her message has remained remarkably consistent.

She calls people to:
- Prayer
- Repentance
- Trust in God
- Conversion of heart
- Love for Jesus Christ
Her purpose has never been to replace Jesus, but to lead us more deeply into a relationship with Him.

The Gift of the Rosary

According to long-standing Catholic tradition, Mary gave the Rosary to Saint Dominic as a powerful spiritual weapon during a difficult time in the Church.

The Rosary is far more than the repetition of prayers.

It is a meditation on the life of Christ.

As we pray the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries, we walk with Jesus from His birth to His Resurrection and His glory in Heaven.

Mary accompanies us, gently helping us keep our eyes fixed on her Son.

Every Hail Mary leads us closer to Jesus.

Every mystery teaches us something about His love.

Every decade invites us to become more like Him.

Cana Is Our Story

The miracle at Cana is not simply an event that happened two thousand years ago.

It is our story.

Like the wedding guests, we often discover that our own “wine” has run out.

We run out of hope.

We run out of strength.

We run out of peace.

We run out of patience.

Mary still notices.

She still brings our needs before Jesus.

And she still whispers the same instruction she gave the servants:

“Do whatever He tells you.”

When the servants obeyed Christ’s command to fill the jars with water, they could not have imagined what would happen next.

Their simple act of obedience became the setting for Jesus’ first public miracle.

Likewise, our own acts of obedience often become the beginning of miracles God desires to work in our lives.

The Surest Path to Jesus

Some people mistakenly believe that devotion to Mary distracts from Jesus.

The opposite is true.

Authentic Marian devotion always leads directly to Christ.

Mary never asks us to stop with her.

She asks us to walk with her—to Jesus.

She teaches us to trust Him.

To love Him.

To obey Him.

To follow Him.

Her life is a living arrow pointing toward her Son.

Mary’s Message for Today

In a world filled with confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty, Mary’s words are as relevant today as they were at Cana.

They offer a simple roadmap for every Christian:

Listen to Jesus.

Trust Jesus.

Follow Jesus.

Do whatever He tells you.

If we embrace that message, we will discover what countless saints have experienced throughout history—that the closer we draw to Mary, the closer she leads us to her Son.

And that has always been her greatest joy.

“Do whatever He tells you.”

May those words echo in our hearts every day of our lives.

Prayer

Blessed Mother, thank you for always leading us to your Son. Help us to listen to His voice with open hearts and willing spirits. Teach us to trust Him more each day and to live by your eternal counsel: “Do whatever He tells you.” Through your loving intercession, may we grow ever closer to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

P.S. Before you go…

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June 28, 2026
Jesus Christ Is My Lord and I Belong to Him
Walking in Faith, Protection, and Victory

In a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, believers in Jesus Christ have a powerful source of peace and strength. When we declare, “Jesus Christ is my Lord and I belong to Him,” we are making more than a statement. We are proclaiming our identity, our protection, and our faith in the King of Kings.

To belong to Jesus means we are no longer alone. We are loved, forgiven, guided, and protected by the Savior who gave His life for us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we have been redeemed and brought into the family of God.

The Bible reminds us in Romans 10:9 that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved. Salvation is not earned by human effort. It is a gift purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Covered by the Blood of Jesus

The blood of Jesus is powerful. It cleanses us from sin, breaks chains of bondage, and gives believers spiritual protection. When we pray and declare that “The blood of Jesus completely covers me and my family,” we are placing our trust in God’s promises.

Throughout Scripture, the blood represented covenant, protection, and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were protected during Passover, believers today trust in the finished work of Christ for spiritual covering and peace.

No matter what challenges arise, God remains faithful. He watches over His children and walks with them through every storm, every battle, and every difficult season.

Fear Has No Power Over Us

Fear is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons, but faith in Christ destroys fear. The Word of God tells us in 1 John 4:4:

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

This powerful truth reminds believers that God’s Spirit lives within them. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to strengthen, comfort, and guide us every day.

Because of this, we do not have to live in fear. We can face life with confidence, courage, and hope. Jesus is greater than sickness, greater than anxiety, greater than darkness, and greater than every obstacle we face.

A Daily Declaration of Faith

Every day is an opportunity to boldly declare:
- Jesus Christ is my Lord.
- I belong to Him.
- The blood of Jesus covers me and my family.
- I will not fear.
- Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.
When we speak God’s promises over our lives, we strengthen our faith and remind ourselves of His truth.

Today, choose faith over fear. Choose hope over despair. Choose to walk in the confidence that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Protector, and King forever.
May 25, 2026
The Two Commandments That Change Everything

Learning to Love God, Your Neighbor, and Yourself

In the time of Jesus, religious life for the Jewish people was shaped not only by the Ten Commandments but by 613 laws—guidelines meant to help people avoid breaking God’s covenant. These laws were intended as protection, a hedge around holiness.

But over time, many became so focused on the rules that they lost sight of the deeper purpose behind them—the heart of the Torah, the spirit of mercy, and the living message of God.

Then came Jesus, with the genius of divine simplicity.

When asked which commandment was greatest, Jesus distilled all the law and the prophets into two breathtaking truths:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
This is the greatest and first commandment.
And a second is like it:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
— Gospel of Matthew

With these words, Jesus did not abolish the law—He fulfilled it.

Everything hangs on love.

The Forgotten Part of the Commandment

Many Christians emphasize loving God.

Many strive to love neighbor.

But too often we neglect the third element hidden in plain sight:

Love your neighbor as yourself.

What if one of the deepest crises in the Church today is not simply a failure to love others—but a failure to receive and live from God’s love for ourselves?

For until we learn to love ourselves as God desires, our love for others can become distorted.

It can become anxious instead of peaceful.

Performative instead of genuine.

Driven by approval instead of grace.

Holy Self-Love Is Not Selfishness

There is a difference between pride and holy self-love.

Pride says, I am the center.

Holy self-love says, I am beloved.

Pride inflates the ego.

Holy self-love receives identity from God.

To love ourselves rightly is not vanity. It is humility—the humility to agree with God about our worth.

We are created in the image of God.

Redeemed in Christ.

Indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

How can we despise what God treasures?

When We Love Ourselves in God

When we begin to love ourselves as children of God, something changes.

We become less interested in what others think about us
and more interested in what God thinks.

We stop doing good in order to be noticed.

We stop serving to be praised.

We stop performing for acceptance.

Because we know we are already accepted.

Already loved.

Already enough in Christ.

And from that freedom, love flows outward.

Freely.

Joyfully.

Without calculation.

Without fear.

Love Changes How We See Others

When we receive God’s love for ourselves, we begin seeing others differently.

Not as rivals.

Not as threats.

Not as problems to manage.

But as neighbors to cherish.

Even enemies to forgive.

Even strangers to welcome.

This is the revolution Jesus announced.

Not a religion of rule-keeping.

A kingdom of love.

The kind of love that washes feet.

Feeds crowds.

Touches lepers.

Carries crosses.

Rises from tombs.

The Measure of Spiritual Maturity

Perhaps spiritual maturity is simpler than we imagine.

It is learning, day by day:

To love God more completely.

To love ourselves more truthfully.

To love others more generously.

This is the whole Gospel in practice.

As Saint Augustine famously said:

“Love, and do what you will.”

Because where love governs the heart, the law has already been fulfilled.

A Prayer

Lord, teach us to love You
with all our heart, soul, and mind.

Teach us to receive the love
You already have for us.

Heal the places where we reject ourselves.

Free us from living for human approval.

And teach us to love our neighbor
as ourselves—

with the very love
with which You love us.

Amen.

Final Reflection

Jesus reduced 613 laws to two commandments.

Not because holiness became smaller—

but because love is greater.

And perhaps the Church today needs to recover this forgotten truth:

To love your neighbor well,

you must learn to receive God’s love for yourself.

And that may be where healing begins.

Thank you for reading this article. Please share with others,

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 26, 2026
Together we Grow

To build Community we must share. We must care for those around us. To be a blessing we must truly be a blessing.

You are my community. We truly have a community of love and sharing, joy and peace. The time has come to add a sustainable income source so we can help those that have no income. Those that are struggling. Those that need a helping hand. a hand up.

This is the community we are building. A community where we share, care, lift up, become one with God our Father. To be fill with and guided by the Holy Spirit.

“The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” Psalm 34: 6
Together we can build a community that has the resources to reach, while building our resources, our email list, our income.

These are just a few of the short Bible verse videos I ha ve posted on YouTube and other social media. Many are getting over 100 views their first day.

To be part of that community, click Here.

Thank you for reading and watching. Please share with others.

Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com

April 15, 2026
How to Recite the Chaplet

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is recited using ordinary Rosary beads of five decades. The Chaplet is preceded by two opening prayers from the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska and followed by a closing prayer.

Download instructions.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Optional Opening Prayers

St. Faustina’s Prayer for Sinners
O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equalled. Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God’s mercy will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 72).

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

(Repeat three times)
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!

3. Our Father

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

4. Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

5. The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

6. The Eternal Father

Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

7. On the 10 Small Beads of Each Decade

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

8. Repeat for the remaining decades

Saying the “Eternal Father” (6) on the “Our Father” bead and then 10 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” (7) on the following “Hail Mary” beads.

9. Conclude with Holy God (Repeat three times)

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

10. Optional Closing Prayers

Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to Your mercy — to Your compassion, O God; and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth’s exiles! O Lord, Goodness beyond our understanding, Who are acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to You, we implore You: anticipate us with Your grace and keep on increasing Your mercy in us, that we may faithfully do Your holy will all through our life and at death’s hour. Let the omnipotence of Your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation’s enemies, that we may with confidence, as Your children, await Your [Son’s] final coming — that day known to You alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness. For Jesus is our Hope: through His merciful Heart, as through an open gate, we pass through to Heaven (Diary, 1570).

April 11, 2026