From the Pastor
Grace and peace to you in Jesus' name
Let me be the first to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! February is often considered the month of love…so perhaps this is a gentle reminder to be kind to one another. Did you know that there are 740 different passages of scripture in the Bible that refer to love? John 15:12 reminds us of Jesus' words: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." What does it mean to love? And what about unconditional love? Many pet families have told me that the reason they always have a dog or cat or other creature with them is their unconditional love…when was the last time you loved unconditionally? Jesus calls us to that kind of passionate caring.
Maybe we should think about the word passion…maybe it's easier to think about our passions, than to describe love. We might be passionate about our families and friends, our pets, our homes, our cars…we might be passionate about sports, fitness, healthy eating…we might be passionate about reading, sewing, woodworking, scrapbooking…we are passionate about…many things. Are we as passionate about people? Could someone look at your life and say, wow! He or she loves passionately, unconditionally, compassionately.
If we think about our lives together as servants of Christ in the life of the church – where are our passions? Where is our compassion? Do we love unconditionally? Sometimes it is hard, especially when opinions differ and feelings get hurt. But we are called to love one another as Jesus loved and loves us. We are called to be passionate about the things we love…so where is the church in our passionate love? How are we called to be the church in our community? Are you proud enough of your church to invite others to come and worship with you? Do you love the music, the bells, the choir? Do you love your Sunday School class? Do you love being the hands of Christ in mission?
If you are not currently active in the ministries of the church, I challenge you to consider one way you can serve God. Can your passion or compassion be a gift to others? Are you willing to step out in faith to be a loving example of Christ in the world? Your church needs you as much as you need this community of believers. Let's a find a way, together, for you to serve others as Christ as served you.
May you be blessed and loved,
Pastor Jeannie