Editor,
Over the years we have come to understand that we live in glass houses. We found that if we threw a stone we stood the chance of having several stones thrown at us.
The thing that attracted us to Tonga was the Love we felt from total strangers. People that would go the extra mile to help in any way they could. We saw families supporting families, helping in each other's plantations and what ever else needed.
The Greek word for Repent is (metanoco) which means: to think differently, or afterwards, reconsider, feel compunction, turn around or repent)
There are two Greek words for Love
Agape: to love in a social or moral sense
Phileo: to be a friend to an individual or object. Denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling. The first love is from the head or mind, the last is from the heart or the real person.
Two verses in the Bible concerning Repent and Love are
Luke 17:3, Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you saying, "I repent, you shall forgive him."
John 21:15-17, (Shortened version) Jesus said to Simon Peter do you love me three times. Peter responded with the (Agape) Love from his mind. Jesus was speaking about (Phileo) Love, to be a friend to an individual.
What we have been looking and watching from Tonga is a true spirit of repentance and Phileo love coming out of all the problems that have taken place.
A lot of stones have been flying lately, with a lot of glass houses around, it will only get harder to repent and show each other true love.
There will always be economic and disasters to deal with but the sooner we sit down and love one another the sooner Tonga will begin the rebuilding process.
We must remember that forgiveness heals Your heart. Many times people are convicted of doing something that is against the law, they may have to pay for their deeds but they must go and ask for forgiveness before they will know a peace within their hearts.
Forgiving someone is hard to do, but it is the only medicine that will heal your heart. Unforgiveness is like cancer, forgiveness is the only medicine.
Hebrew 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, thought he sought it diligently with tears.
Lets look for ways to create a spirit of love and repentance in Tonga and watch and see how fast God moves to rebuild Tonga.
'Ofa Atu
Cliff Johnston
jhandyman5 [at] canby [dot] com
