Love Is …
The Essence of Our Faith
In a world often driven by fear, judgment, and self-interest, we are called to embrace a radically different way of living - one centered on love. This transformative power of love is not just a fleeting emotion, but the very core of our spiritual journey and the heart of God Himself.
As we approach this Easter season, a time of renewal and reflection, it's fitting to dive deep into the concept of love and how it shapes our faith, our actions, and our very existence.
The Golden Rule: A Blueprint for Living
At the center of this love-driven life is the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This simple yet profound principle encapsulates the entire law and the teachings of the prophets. It challenges us to extend love not just to those who are easy to love, but even to our enemies. This radical love reflects the very nature of God and His kingdom.
But how do we live out this love in practical terms?
The sermon on the plain in Luke 6 provides us with seven key principles:
1. Love others
2. Do good
3. Be helpful
4. Be merciful
5. Don’t be judgmental
6. Don't condemn
7. Pardon your offenders
Our challenge is to consistently choose love, even when it's difficult. As we do so, we "walk in the light as He is in the light," reflecting the King and His kingdom to a world in desperate need of love.
This love is not passive or weak. It is a compelling force that has driven the spread of Christianity from one man, Jesus Christ, to nearly a third of the world's population today – that’s - some 2.4 billion people! L.O.V.E. - it's what compelled the apostles to share the good news despite the threat of death.
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
We have … at the heart of our faith … the greatest love story ever told. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a testament to God's relentless love for humanity. – Jesus Christ is its central figure – and it is His life, death, and resurrection that we remember, reflect upon and celebrate at Easter.
John 3:16 encapsulates this extraordinary love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
This love is so profound, so "crazy" (as Pastor and author Francis Chan puts it), that it boggles the mind. It's a profound love that reached down to us and made a way where there was no way.
May we reflect upon Christ’s Crazy Love – throughout this Easter - Season of Love!
Amen!
The Essence of Our Faith
In a world often driven by fear, judgment, and self-interest, we are called to embrace a radically different way of living - one centered on love. This transformative power of love is not just a fleeting emotion, but the very core of our spiritual journey and the heart of God Himself.
As we approach this Easter season, a time of renewal and reflection, it's fitting to dive deep into the concept of love and how it shapes our faith, our actions, and our very existence.
The Golden Rule: A Blueprint for Living
At the center of this love-driven life is the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This simple yet profound principle encapsulates the entire law and the teachings of the prophets. It challenges us to extend love not just to those who are easy to love, but even to our enemies. This radical love reflects the very nature of God and His kingdom.
But how do we live out this love in practical terms?
The sermon on the plain in Luke 6 provides us with seven key principles:
1. Love others
2. Do good
3. Be helpful
4. Be merciful
5. Don’t be judgmental
6. Don't condemn
7. Pardon your offenders
Our challenge is to consistently choose love, even when it's difficult. As we do so, we "walk in the light as He is in the light," reflecting the King and His kingdom to a world in desperate need of love.
This love is not passive or weak. It is a compelling force that has driven the spread of Christianity from one man, Jesus Christ, to nearly a third of the world's population today – that’s - some 2.4 billion people! L.O.V.E. - it's what compelled the apostles to share the good news despite the threat of death.
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
We have … at the heart of our faith … the greatest love story ever told. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a testament to God's relentless love for humanity. – Jesus Christ is its central figure – and it is His life, death, and resurrection that we remember, reflect upon and celebrate at Easter.
John 3:16 encapsulates this extraordinary love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
This love is so profound, so "crazy" (as Pastor and author Francis Chan puts it), that it boggles the mind. It's a profound love that reached down to us and made a way where there was no way.
May we reflect upon Christ’s Crazy Love – throughout this Easter - Season of Love!
Amen!
Posted in Easter
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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