Loving others is a significant part of our Kingdom work, and it is in our church’s DNA. Many times we chose to make simple gestures to show our love for others, but we should be cautious with simple at all times. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, reminds us that loving others requires deep sacrifice and it can be costly. He responded to his Father’s call by sacrificially loving us, and we are called to sacrificially love others as well! What are you willing to lose or give up to love the “others” in your community? When was the last time you paused to thank God for sacrificially loving you?
Do you ever compartmentalize God to a certain day, particular place, or specific activity? The worship of God and the Church of Jesus Christ is neither validated by the presence of a crowd nor diminished by an empty sanctuary. Wherever you are is sacred space and Jesus thinks you are worth dying for. Remain open to the manifestations of our Holy Creator that may joyfully surprise us in nature, other people, angels of whom we are unaware, a song, poem, scripture passage…The possibilities are endless, as is God’s love, grace, and forgiveness.
How do we keep our roots deep in Christ so that we abide in him, so that we stay connected to him, like branches to the vine? It all comes down to loving each other, Jesus says, as he has loved us. Then we will remain in him as he remains in us.
The first followers of Jesus were energized by their experiences with Jesus both before and after the Resurrection. They heard his teachings, witnessed his miracles and walked with the Risen Lord
In his famous passage on love in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about love as being patient and kind, not easily angered or self-seeking; keeping no record of wrongs and rejoicing with the truth.
Each one of us faces challenges every day but we are sustained and inspired by the power of God’s Spirit that purposes us for ministry.
In our physical bodies, it takes a strong core to be steady, to find balance. The same is true in our spiritual life. When we focus on our center – when we focus on Jesus who IS our Center – our spirits are steadied and our lives are strong. Over the next several weeks we will be reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and remembering together who we are as God's people, who we are at our core. Though physically apart, we worship together united by the Spirit of God alive in each believer.