The First Blessing – To Be Fruitful
To grow to individual maturity as a human being requires more than physical growth through 18 or 21 years. Ideally we learn to take responsibility for our own choices and actions and develop positive character traits by becoming “other centered” – the ability to love others unselfishly.
Mat 22:36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“In my opinion, if we have not achieved peace, it is because people forget its most fundamental aspect. Before we talk about peace among nations, we must settle our peace with God.” – Sun Myung Moon
“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” – Mother Teresa
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Even though we are deceived, still believe. Though we are betrayed, still forgive. Love completely even those who hate you.” – Sun Myung Moon
“However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?” – Buddha
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. – an American hero
