Today’s Reading: John
[Jesus said], “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
Good morning!
I’ve been thinking about what it means to be in love. Do you remember the first time you knew you were in love? Relationships draw people into abiding friendship, and their friendship becomes a solid, unbreakable bond. We begin to trust and rely completely upon the people whom we love. We care about their moods, their general health and wellbeing. We want to know what they are thinking and feeling, and we care enough to ask. We keep on asking, especially when there is a perceived unresolved hurt or pain. When our loved one is in pain, we suffer alongside them. Loving another is not simply some physical attraction, sparked by roller coaster hormones. Loving is a lifelong journey, a deep commitment worth investing one’s life in. Loving another soul requires a devotion of time and attention and a willingness to place the needs of the one you love ahead of your own. What does “being in love” mean to you?
When my childhood neighbor passed away many years ago, I remember standing at the side of his funeral casket, talking to his wife. With tears streaming down her face, she looked at me, pointing to the remains of her dearly departed husband, and said, “He is my life. I’ve spent sixty years with this man – we live in the house we first purchased after the war. I do not remember what it was like not to have him by my side.” I have watched my neighbor move forward, even in deep sadness. She continues to share glimpses of her beloved husband with others, by sharing her memories of their life together. I know she is looking forward to the day when she will be reunited with her husband in eternity. I believe my neighbor truly understands what it means to be in love.
Jesus told His disciples when we hold fast to His Word and choose to obey His commands, that we are the ones who truly love Him. Being in love with the Lord requires a conscious decision and a lifelong commitment. When you say you will follow Christ, you choose to enter into an everlasting relationship bonded by His perfect blood. Being in love with the Lord is a daily commitment, not just something we do one hour each week in worship. Obedience takes discipline, and discipline takes courage, and courage stands in fully trusting the One who loved us first.
Are you ready to fall in love with the Savior? Come and worship Him today. Together, we can honor and glorify the One who came to seek and save the lost. I thank God that my Jesus was willing to serve a dying church. I don't know where we would all be if Christ had not come to serve the sick, the dying, and the lost. He willing obeyed His Father's command, choosing to suffer and lay down His own earthly flesh so that all of us might live forever in the Father's care. He loves you and me this much! What would you give for a love like that? Each new morning is a brand new opportunity to grow deeper in love with our Lord. I’ll see you today at Faith.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC -
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