Loving Others

May 25th – John 13:34

John 13:34

Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s a choice to show up, forgive, and give, even when it’s hard. Jesus gave us a new command. Not a suggestion, but a command. To love one another as He has loved us. And His love? It’s deep, sacrificial, unwavering, and kind. It doesn’t wait to be deserved or returned, it just gives. When we love like Jesus, walls fall down, hearts soften, and light breaks into the darkest places. It’s not always easy, especially when we’ve been hurt. But His Spirit gives us what we need to love beyond ourselves. This kind of love shows the world who Jesus is. It’s not about perfect words or big gestures. Sometimes it’s just listening, showing up, forgiving first, or praying quietly for someone who wouldn’t do the same for us. Jesus’ love changed everything. And it still does, through us. Let’s be people who love loud, forgive fast, and serve humbly. When we choose love, we reflect the heart of our Savior. And in a world aching for something real, that kind of love speaks the loudest.

May 25th – John 13:34 Read More »

March 10th – 2 Corinthians 9:8

2 Corinthians 9:8

God tells us that He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. But have you ever held back on giving? Whether it’s money, time, or resources, were you afraid you wouldn’t have enough for yourself? Have the thoughts, “What if I need this later? What if I give too much and come up short?”, ever crept in? When God asks us to give, He wants our giving to come not from a place of fear, but from a place of trust. Because when we hold on tightly to what we have, we miss the chance to see God’s abundant provision in action. For He is not a God of just barely enough, He is a God of overflowing abundance. And the more we trust Him with our giving, the more He shows up in ways we never expected. Maybe it’s through an unexpected blessing, a need being met in a way only He could orchestrate, or simply the joy of knowing we were part of His work. When we give freely, we aren’t losing, we’re sowing into something greater. And God promises to provide all we need. So let’s not be stingy out of fear, but generous out of faith, knowing our God will always take care of us.

March 10th – 2 Corinthians 9:8 Read More »

June 6th – 1 John 3:18

1 John 3:18

Did you know that love isn’t something we feel, but rather something we do. That’s why we are called to love not just with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. This means actively seeking ways to demonstrate our love in tangible, meaningful ways. We can start by offering our time and resources to those in need. Or performing simple acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor with groceries or offering a listening ear to a friend. Encouraging and supporting others in their struggles shows that our love is faithful and true. Being present and fully engaged with those around us, giving our undivided attention, also reflects love in action. We can also advocate for justice, standing up for those who are marginalized or oppressed, ensuring that our love seeks fairness and righteousness. Praying for others, not just in private but also together with them, brings spiritual support and solidarity. By acting in ways that reflect God’s love, we fulfill the command to love in deed and truth, making our faith visible through our actions.

June 6th – 1 John 3:18 Read More »

June 5th – Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44

Of all the commands Jesus gives, the most radical must be to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Not easily done with our fleshly nature. But with Jesus we can put aside our old selves and respond instead with the Fruit of the Spirit. By showing love to our enemies, we demonstrate the selfless nature of Christ. Joy can fill our hearts when we choose reconciliation over retaliation, knowing we are following Jesus’ example. We create peace in our lives by replacing conflict with compassion. Practicing patience with those who oppose us allows room for transformation and understanding. Kindness and goodness shine through our actions, when we respond to hostility with generosity and care. Faithfulness in obeying Jesus’ commands, even when difficult, reflects our commitment to His teachings. Gentleness, helps soften hearts and break down barriers. And finally, self-control keeps us from reacting out of anger, instead responding with grace and love. Just as our Savior responds to us.

June 5th – Matthew 5:44 Read More »

October 19th – Matthew 22:37-38

Matthew 22:37-38

Religion makes things complicated with its rituals and rules and do and do nots. But not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A relationship rather than a religion, the teachings of Jesus are as simple as it gets. Love God with everything you’ve got, and love one another unconditionally. Purposely easy to understand, in their simplicity these two great commandments are the very heart of the Bible and the perfect moral compass to guide us through life. The darkness we see growing in the world shows just how vital God’s abundant love is, as is our commitment to loving one another. For there is no greater power than love. It brings compassion, unity, and healing. It shines as a beacon of hope, calling out to all who are in need. And as agents of God’s perfect love, we can fight back against the darkness. We can do it by showing the love and grace of Christ, reaching out to those in need, and promoting reconciliation and understanding. Because loving God and loving others is a brilliant light that can dispel even the deepest darkness.

October 19th – Matthew 22:37-38 Read More »

August 25th – Colossians 2:1

Colossians 2:1

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face.

We live in a “me first” society. And when it comes to helping others, many chose to sit back and watch. Or worse yet, pull out their phone to record. Yet Paul tells us Christians aren’t to act this way. Just as he had a deep concern for the Colossians, we too are to have concern for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. To be the first to step up in times of trouble. In a world marked by division and distractions, Christians are called to be knit together in love, respect, and grace. To support one another’s faith journeys, and to offer a helping hand in times of doubt or struggle. Paul suffered greatly to share the saving message of Jesus Christ to all. Being willing to struggle for other believers stems from the principles of love, unity, and compassion that are central to the teachings of Christ. For no one struggled or suffered more for us than Jesus Christ. And as part of His glorious family, we are called to support and uplift one another, just as a family supports its members during challenging times.


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July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4

Proverbs 11:4

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

The one thing this world loves is wealth. And the more you have, the more you’re admired. But as the saying goes, “You can’t take it with you.” Jesus is returning soon. And on that glorious day, no amount of wealth can buy a place in the kingdom of heaven. For the admission was paid for by Jesus Christ, and only by accepting His free gift of salvation can we have eternal life. Our time on earth is running short. And the true measure of our worth lies not in what we possess, but what we leave behind. As Christians our legacy should one of love, kindness, and compassion towards others. The only true treasures worth having are those we store up in heaven. (Matt. 6:19-20) Treasures including loving others, sharing the gospel, good fruit, endurance, and faith. Better than gold, these treasures are imperishable and everlasting. And the greatest of them all, is the living hope we receive through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

July 22nd – Proverbs 11:4 Read More »

June 5th – Matthew 18:22

Matthew 18:22

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Our spiritual journey is an ongoing commitment to growth and change, so too is the act of forgiveness. Just like the limitless mercy of God who endlessly forgives us, our forgiveness for others should know no bounds. Because in God’s eyes, forgiveness isn’t a one time deal. But instead an ongoing commitment to show the same grace and mercy shown to us, and to have a heart like Jesus. Which for all of us should be our ultimate goal. And we can do it with God’s help. We can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that transcends limits and seeks reconciliation even in the face of repeated offenses. This means letting go of grudges, extending second chances, and embracing a mindset of compassion and understanding. Forgiveness can be hard, but not impossible. And it does more for us than the one we are forgiving. Because it enables us to heal relationships, foster peace, and experience the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.

June 5th – Matthew 18:22 Read More »

March 29th – Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19

The number twelve is used 187 times in the Bible. In most cases it is represented as the number of perfection and authority.  And during His ministry on earth Jesus, “…summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve so that He could send them out to preach.” (Mark 3:13-14) There wasn’t anything especially remarkable about these men. They weren’t Lords or Princes. Nor were they great scholars or high priests. They were average men who throughout the Gospels we see fail, struggle, and doubt God. Yet Jesus chose them anyway. And He chooses us as well, blessing us with the same commission of sharing the Good News. Because Jesus doesn’t care about our past, our failures, or our social standing. What He wants is a close personal relationship with us. He wants us to love Him, and to tell others about Him so they too can know Him and spend eternity with Him. Will you answer His call?

March 29th – Matthew 28:19 Read More »

March 28th – Song Of Solomon 7:10

Song of Solomon 7:10

C.S. Lewis once said, “When I have learned to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.” Although not much talked about, romantic love is a blessing sent by God. The Lord wants to have a close, personal, relationship with each of us. And when we have such an intimate relationship with the Lord, we can better love others. Romantic love is a way for people to experience deep emotional and spiritual connections with one another. And romance can bring joy to people’s lives. God wants us to experience happiness and fulfillment in life, and romantic relationships can be a source of this joy. Romantic love can also lead to the creation of new life, as it is often the foundation of marriage and family. All in all, the blessing of romantic love teaches us intimacy, patience, commitment, selflessness, and respect in our relationships. It reminds us that love is not just a human experience, but also has spiritual significance and can help us grow in our relationship with God.

 

March 28th – Song Of Solomon 7:10 Read More »