Spirit’s in everything

In the beginning, the spirit of God was upon the face of the deep. Nothing outside of him existed. He was a billion times smaller than an atom. About 14 billion years ago, he suddenly expanded to 20 light years across in the first second alone to create our universe, which is still expanding. (See “The First Second.”) His spirit is co-extensive with the universe today. His spirit is in everything and every creature. God is the universe.

Your spirit is the same stuff as God’s spirit, and is intertwined with his spirit. Jesus said, “I am in the father, and the father is in me, and I am in you, and you are in me.” He made you in your mother’s womb the same way he made Adam and Eve. He breathed your first breath, and you became a living being. We have this in common with all living creatures; we are their brothers and sisters.

God sees with our eyes, feels with our bodies, and explores with our legs, hands and brains. Because he loves us, we love him. He loves and has compassion for all living beings. He calls on us to do likewise.

Our souls will never die. We are all made of the spirit of God, as is every living being. “Do not kill” means do not kill a human being or kill any living being if we can help it. Jesus taught us that heaven is for the compassionate.

Have you ever been hungry or thirsty, sick, forlorn, a stranger, or in prison? This letter is for you. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give water to the thirsty, care for those who are sick or in prison, and welcome the stranger, for it is in giving that we receive the kingdom of God within. Nothing to give? Then care for the earth and all living beings with your vote. RUUD DuVALL

Fayetteville