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  AS HE HAS DONE
  by Mary Wilder Tileston
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Summary: As we examine our relationships during Lent, we are called to
show love and forgiveness to those who are hard to get along with, just
as our Lord showed us.

Topics: "Christian Humility", "Loving Others"
Scripture References: Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, John 13:15, Romans 12:18, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 4:8

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DESCRIPTION
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Mary Wilder Tileston, in the sermon, reflects on the example set by
Jesus in serving others, even those who may be difficult to love or
understand. She challenges the listeners to examine their relationships
and interactions, urging them to show compassion, forgiveness, and love
towards both friends and foes. Tileston emphasizes the importance of
self-reflection during Lent, encouraging individuals to emulate Christ's
humility and grace in dealing with those who may be challenging or
irritating. The sermon calls for a shift from judgmental attitudes to a
spirit of prayerful self-improvement and understanding of the vast
difference between human nature and the divine.

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CONTENT
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I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

JOHN 13:15

THERE are often bound to us, in the closest intimacy of social or family
ties, natures hard and ungenial, with whom sympathy is impossible, and
whose daily presence necessitates a constant conflict with an adverse
influence. There are, too, enemies,--open or secret,--whose enmity we
may feel yet cannot define. Our Lord, going before us in this hard way,
showed us how we should walk. It will be appropriate to the solemn self-
examination of the period of Lent to ask ourselves, Is there any false
friend or covert enemy whom we must learn to tolerate, to forbear with,
to pity and forgive? Can we in silent offices of love wash their feet as
our Master washed the feet of Judas? And, if we have no real enemies,
are there any bound to us in the relations of life whose habits and ways
are annoying and distasteful to us? Can we bear with them in love? Can
we avoid harsh judgments, and harsh speech, and the making known to
others our annoyance? The examination will probably teach us to feel the
infinite distance between us and our divine Ideal, and change
censoriousness of others into prayer for ourselves.

HARRIET BEECHER STOWE

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/mary-wilder-tileston/as-he-has-done/
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